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Biomedical subjects

A Hamed

Publications and source records attributed to A Hamed.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Distributions of charged hadrons associated with high transverse momentum particles in pp and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[sNN]=200 GeV.

Charged hadrons in [EQUATION: SEE TEXT] associated with particles of [EQUATION: SEE TEXT] are reconstructed in pp and Au+Au collisions at sqrt[sNN]=200 GeV. The associated multiplicity and p magnitude sum are found to increase from pp to central Au+Au collisions. The associated p distributions, while similar in shape on the nearside, are significantly softened on the awayside in central Au+Au relative to pp and not much harder than that of inclusive hadrons. The results, consistent with jet quenching, suggest that the awayside fragments approach equilibration with the medium traversed.

Journal Article↗

Multistrange baryon production in Au-Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV.

The transverse mass spectra and midrapidity yields for Xis and Omegas are presented. For the 10% most central collisions, the (-)Xi(+)/h(-) ratio increases from the Super Proton Synchrotron to the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider energies while the Xi(-)/h(-) stays approximately constant. A hydrodynamically inspired model fit to the Xi spectra, which assumes a thermalized source, seems to indicate that these multistrange particles experience a significant transverse flow effect, but are emitted when the system is hotter and the flow is smaller than values obtained from a combined fit to pi, K, p, and Lambdas.

Journal Article↗

Rho0 production and possible modification in Au+Au and p+p collisions at square root [sNN] = 200 GeV.

We report results on rho(770)(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) production at midrapidity in p+p and peripheral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. This is the first direct measurement of rho(770)(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) in heavy-ion collisions. The measured rho(0) peak in the invariant mass distribution is shifted by approximately 40 MeV/c(2) in minimum bias p+p interactions and approximately 70 MeV/c(2) in peripheral Au+Au collisions. The rho(0) mass shift is dependent on transverse momentum and multiplicity. The modification of the rho(0) meson mass, width, and shape due to phase space and dynamical effects are discussed.

Journal Article↗

Initiation of atypical antipsychotic agents and health outcomes in patients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Although pharmacological treatments are available for patients with schizophrenia, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive evaluation of health outcomes following the initiation of atypical antipsychotic agents. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of the initiation of olanzapine or risperidone, the two most widely prescribed atypical antipsychotics, on patients' health outcomes, as measured by changes in patient clinical characteristics between 6 months prior to and post-initiation. METHOD: We identified patients with schizophrenia by >1 inpatient or > or = 2 outpatient ICD-9-CM codes (> or = 7 days apart) between 1 July 1998 and 30 June 1999, and those who were initiated on olanzepine or risperidone during the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000 inclusive. We then subdivided these patients into three groups: (i) those who were not on olanzapine or risperidone, (ii) those who were not on any atypical agents, and (iii) those who were not on any antipsychotic agents, for 6 months prior to being issued with the new prescription. Using test of means or chi-square tests, we examined whether the initiation of olanzapine or risperidone is related to different changes in patient clinical indicators, such as number of drugs for psychiatric conditions, use of psychiatric services, and use of non-psychiatric services. RESULTS: Between pre- and post-initiation, olanzapine initiators had a greater decrease in the number of psychiatric hospitalizations and use of psychotropic agents, whereas risperidone initiators had a greater reduction in the number of non-psychiatric hospitalizations. The initiation of olanzapine and risperidone appear to be associated with different patient health outcomes. Compared with olanzapine initiators, risperidone initiators had a greater increase in the use of treatments related to mental health, but had greater decrease in the use of treatments related to physical health. CONCLUSION: Despite olanzapine and risperidone being often perceived as similar antipsychotic agents, our results suggest that the clinical outcomes associated with their use are different. Outcome data from routine clinical practice are required to provide a more comprehensive assessment of these drugs.

Adolescent↗

First results from the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (IBIS-I): a randomised prevention trial.

BACKGROUND: Three clinical trials on the use of tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer have reported mixed results. The overall evidence supports a reduction in the risk of breast cancer, but whether this benefit outweighs the risks and side-effects associated with tamoxifen is unclear. METHODS: We undertook a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial of tamoxifen, 20 mg/day for 5 years, in 7152 women aged 35-70 years, who were at increased risk of breast cancer. The primary outcome measure was the frequency of breast cancer (including ductal carcinoma in situ). Analyses were by intention to treat after exclusion of 13 women found to have breast cancer at baseline mammography. FINDINGS: After median follow-up of 50 months (IQR 32-67), 69 breast cancers had been diagnosed in 3578 women in the tamoxifen group and 101 in 3566 in the placebo group (risk reduction 32% [95% CI 8-50]; p=0.013). Age, degree of risk, and use of hormone-replacement therapy did not affect the reduction. Endometrial cancer was non-significantly increased (11 vs 5; p=0.2) and thromboembolic events were significantly increased with tamoxifen (43 vs 17; odds ratio 2.5 [1.5-4.4], p=0.001), particularly after surgery. There was a significant excess of deaths from all causes in the tamoxifen group (25 vs 11, p=0.028). INTERPRETATION: Prophylactic tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer by about a third. Temporary cessation of tamoxifen should be considered and the use of appropriate antithrombotic measures is recommended during and after major surgery or periods of immobilisation. Prophylactic use of tamoxifen is contraindicated in women at high risk of thromboembolic disease. The combined evidence indicates that mortality from non-breast-cancer causes is not increased by tamoxifen. The overall risk to benefit ratio for the use of tamoxifen in prevention is still unclear, and continued follow-up of the current trials is essential.

Adult↗

Patient characteristics and prescription patterns of atypical antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia, one of the leading causes of disability, contributes substantially to the use of medical and mental health services. The treatment of schizophrenia is therefore particularly important to reduce deficits across a large number of neurocognitive domains. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prescription (e.g. initiation and switching) patterns of atypical antipsychotic agents and examine the extent to which patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are associated with the prescription patterns of atypical antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Using unique data sources from the Veterans Health Administration (VA), the study identified 89 107 patients with schizophrenia based on at least one inpatient or more than or equal to two outpatients' ICD-9-CM codes (> or =7 days apart). We defined a prior 6-month (1/1/99 to 6/30/99) and a post 6-month (7/1/99 to 12/31/99) period to describe patterns of initiation and switching of atypical antipsychotics. RESULTS: Only a small number of patients were on clozapine (1.8%) and quetiapine (1.4%). More patients were prescribed olanzapine (23%) than risperidone (20%) (P < 0.001). Compared with patients who were on risperidone, those who were on olanzapine were younger (P < 0.001), more likely Hispanic (P < 0.001), more likely married (P < 0.05), had more service-connected disability (P < 0.001), had fewer numbers of physical comorbidities (P < 0.001), and a lower body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Olanzapine and risperidone appear to be prescribed to patients with different sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Future research needs to explore the reasons for those differences.

Adolescent↗

Synthesis of acyclo C-nucleosides of phenanthro[9,10-e][1,2, 4]triazino[3,4-c]-[1,2,4]triazoles, and their precursors.

Reaction of 3-hydrazinophenanthro [9, 10-e] [1, 2, 4] triazine (1) with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes as well as monosaccharides gave the corresponding hydrazones 2a-g. The D-glucose analogue exists in the cyclic pyranosyl structure 5. Acetylation and partial acetylation of the sugar hydrazones were carried out. Cyclization of a number of hydrazones including the partially acetylated sugar hydrazones by thionyl chloride gave regioselectively the respective angular isomer 1-substituted phenanthro [9, 10-e] [1, 2, 4] triazino [3, 4- and not the linear isomer. The cyclization of 1 with acetic acid, however, gave regioselectively the linear isomer 19. The structural assignments were based on a model study whereby the angular 16a was found to be different from the linear isomer 19a obtained by the condensation of 4, 5-diamino-3-methyl-1, 2, 4-triazole with 9, 10-phenanthraquinone. Periodate oxidation of 2d gave 20 whose reaction with 1 gave 21.

Nucleosides↗

Identification of metallothionein receptors in human astrocytes.

Metallothionein (MT) isoforms are low molecular weight (6000-7000 Da) zinc binding proteins containing 60-68 amino acid residues, 25-30% cysteine, no aromatic amino acids, and binding between 5-7 g zinc/mol of protein. Since the synthesis of MT is induced by endotoxin, cytokines, and glucocorticoids, MT is now considered to be an acute phase protein protecting against oxygen radicals and oxidative damages caused by inflammation, tissue injury, and stress to the central nervous system. By postulating that a specific mechanism must exist to foster the induction of MTs I and II by numerous and diversified factors, we searched for and identified for the first time, MT receptors on U373MG cell membrane preparations, by using fluoresceinated MT I isoform probe; and by employing cysteine, glutathione, and four MT isoforms to determine high affinity and specific binding. MT receptors revealed a Kd value of 0.84 nM and a Bmax of 99.82 fmol/mg protein. Moreover, MT receptors were found in greater density on the surface of aggregated astrocytes. We postulate that conditions or agents generating reactive oxygen species may influence the expression of MT receptors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cumulative incidence of atopic disorders in high risk infants fed whey hydrolysate, soy, and conventional cow milk formulas.

A recent increase in the prevalence of atopic disorders and the enormous costs of management of atopic patients have prompted attempts at prevention. We have examined the effect of exclusive breast feeding and of feeding different infant formulas on incidence of atopic disease in a prospective randomized controlled study. Seventy-two infants were recruited into each of the following groups: cow milk whey hydrolysate formula (NAN/HA) conventional cow milk formula (Similac), soy-based formula (Isomil), and exclusive breast feeding for greater than 4 months. The cumulative incidence of atopic eczema, recurrent wheezing, rhinitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and colic were noted. Skin prick tests and radioallergosorbent tests for IgE antibodies to milk and soy were performed. At 12 and 18 months of age, the incidence of atopic eczema as also that of all atopic symptoms was significantly lower and similar in the breast-fed and whey hydrolysate groups, compared with the cow milk and soy formula groups. IgE antibodies were detected more often in the cow milk and soy formula groups, especially the former. Among symptomatic infants, fewer skin positive prick tests were seen in the soy group compared with the cow milk group. Our observations show that among infants at high risk of developing atopic disease because of positive family history, exclusive breast feeding or whey hydrolysate formula is associated with a lower incidence and thus a delay in the occurrence of allergic disorders compared with groups fed conventional cow milk or soy formulas.

Adult↗

Influence of maternal diet during lactation and use of formula feeds on development of atopic eczema in high risk infants.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of maternal diet during lactation and the use of formula feeds on the development of atopic eczema in infants at risk. DESIGN: Mothers who planned to breast feed exclusively were randomly allocated to either a restricted diet (avoiding milk and other dairy products, eggs, fish, peanuts, and soybeans) or a diet without restrictions. Mothers who did not plan to breast feed were randomly allocated to using one of three formula feeds. SETTING: Child health centre in Canada. SUBJECTS: 97 Mothers who chose to breast feed and 124 mothers who did not. INTERVENTIONS: Restricted diet for 49 mothers who breast fed. Casein hydrolysate formula, soy milk formula, or cows' milk formula for infants not breast fed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Development of eczema in babies. RESULTS: Infants were followed up over 18 months and examined for eczema. Eczema was less common and milder in babies who were breast fed and whose mothers were on a restricted diet (11/49 (22%) v 21/48 (48%)). In infants fed casein hydrolysate, soy milk, or cows' milk 9/43 (21%), 26/41 (63%), and 28/40 (70%), respectively, developed atopic eczema. CONCLUSIONS: In families with a history of atopic disease [corrected] mothers who breast feed should avoid common allergenic foods during lactation. If they choose not to breast feed a hydrolysate formula should be used.

Bottle Feeding↗

The lymph node in mycosis fungoides: a light and electron microscopy and immunohistological study supporting the Langerhans' cell-retrovirus hypothesis.

This paper describes the light and electron microscopy and monoclonal antibody findings in the lymph nodes of nine patients with mycosis fungoides. Four cases showed dermatopathic change characterized by close association between small convoluted T4 lymphocytes and T6 antigen-presenting cells (Langerhans' and indeterminate dendritic cells) in the sinuses and paracortical zones. The T4:T8 ratio was between 3 and 5:1. One case showed dermatopathic change but included large convoluted T4 lymphocytes and occasional T10 lymphocytes. The T4:T8 ratio was 4:1. The antigen-presenting cells were mostly T6 negative (interdigitating reticulum cells). One case showed extensive paracortical expansion by small and large convoluted T4 lymphocytes. The T4:T8 ratio was 20:1. Few B lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells were present. Two cases showed partial and one case total effacement by atypical lymphoid tissue. This included small and large convoluted T4 lymphocytes and T4 immunoblasts. The T4:T8 ratios were between 30 and 40:1. The changes in their antigen-presenting cell population were complex. Langerhans' cells in one case generally failed to express T6 antigen and in two displayed histiocyte features. In one case, both immature and budding type C retrovirus-like particles were identified in Langerhans cells. One extracellular mature type C virus-like particle was identified in another case. No ultrastructural distinction could be made between similarly sized primary lysosomes and possible intracytoplasmic mature type C retrovirus particles. These findings support the hypothesis that mycosis fungoides may represent an altered dermatonodal cycle resulting from an interaction between retrovirus, Langerhans' cells and lymphocytes.

Adult↗