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Biomedical subjects

B Adam

Publications and source records attributed to B Adam.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Thyroid hormone alterations during and after cardiopulmonary bypass.

The haemodynamic effects of thyroid hormones are well known and include those on heart rate, contractility and myocardial oxygen consumption. Cardiopulmonary bypass produces various alterations in endocrine homoeostasis and may exert important haemodynamic effects postoperatively. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the relation of cardiopulmonary bypass to changes in thyroid function. Blood samples were obtained from 20 patients preoperatively, at specific times before, during and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Total thyroxin (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxin (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) and albumin were measured by radioimmunoassay and competitive immunoassay. Values of TT4, TT3 and fT3 were significantly depressed up to 24 h after cardiopulmonary bypass (P < 0.05). TSH and fT4 levels remained within normal ranges at all sampling times. It is increasingly evident that cardiopulmonary bypass affects thyroid hormone metabolism, leading to a transient depression characterized by low levels of circulating TT4, TT3 and fT3.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Pulse wave velocity measurement by cross-correlation of Doppler velocity signals. Application to elderly volunteers during training.

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement is widely used for the indirect assessment of arterial wall distensibility. In order to improve its measurement technique, we built a system performing the calculation of the cross-correlation function of Doppler velocity signals. In 12 normal subjects and 10 patients, the mean difference between duplicate measurements was 0.7 +/- 7.8% (NS). We tested this technique in 15 elderly volunteers before and after a three months training period. Brachial and tibial systolic blood pressure decreased respectively from 18.1 +/- 2.2 kPa to 16.7 +/- 1.9 kPa (p = 0.008) and from 21.1 +/- 3.4 kPa to 18.4 +/- 2.5 kPa (p = 0.003), while lower limb PWV decreased from 8.96 +/- 1.26 to 7.92 +/- 1.22 m.s-1 (p = 0.016). Therefore, automatic PWV measurement using the cross-correlation technique allows to demonstrate training induced changes in PWV, although concomitant changes in blood pressure must be considered in their interpretation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Significance of pleural fluid cholesterol and beta-2 microglobulin levels for the differentiation of pleural effusions in childhood.

We studied 60 children, ages 3-15 years, with pleural effusions to determine the usefulness of different criteria for the separation of transudates from exudates. Twenty of these effusions were classified as transudates and 40 as exudates. Pleural cholesterol (P chol), pleural/serum cholesterol ratio (P/S chol), and pleural/serum beta 2 microglobulin (P/S beta 2 m) were determined to characterize pleural effusions and were compared with Light's criteria (pleural/serum protein ratio, pleural LDH, pleural/serum LDH ratio). With a threshold of 0.3, the sensitivity and specificity of P/S chol for diagnosis of exudates were 95 and 90%, respectively. With a threshold of 1.3, the sensitivity of P/S beta 2 m was 77.5%, and its specificity was 95%. Our findings indicate that determination of P chol and P/S chol, as well as Light's criteria, is of value for characterizing pleural effusions in childhood, but the measurement of P/S beta 2 m is less sensitive in distinguishing transudates from exudates and it should not be used routinely.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

An automated electronic method for quantifying spinning (circling) in children with autistic disorder.

This pilot study examined and quantified rotational asymmetry (the tendency to turn preferentially to the right or left side). An automated device was used to measure turning (circling) in 9 children with autism and 27 normal control subjects and confirmed clinical observations of stereotypical spinning behavior in patients with autism. This behavior was significantly preferential toward the left side relative to control subjects (P = 0.0009, two-tailed). Group membership accounted for approximately 40% of variance. Although the precise causes of autism are not known, these preliminary data suggest that the spinning behavior often seen in children with neurodevelopmental disorders can be reliably measured. Furthermore, spinning in autism may most often manifest as specific right-hemispace neglect.

Arousal↗
PubMed1994

The Spi-1/PU.1 and Spi-B ets family transcription factors and the recombination signal binding protein RBP-J kappa interact with an Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 responsive cis-element.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immortalizes resting human B cells very efficiently in vitro. The EBV nuclear protein EBNA2 is absolutely required for this process. It also activates transcription of cellular, as well as viral, genes. It is assumed that EBNA2 contributes to B cell immortalization by its transactivating potential, since its transforming and transactivating functions could not be separated. Mutational analysis of the 80 bp EBNA2 responsive cis-element within the viral bidirectional LMP/TP2 promoter region identified two sequence elements, which are both essential for transactivation by EBNA2. These sequences harbour putative consensus binding sites for Spi-1 oncoprotein and recombination signal binding protein RBP-J kappa, the homologue of Drosophila Suppressor of Hairless. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated the high affinity binding of Spi-1 and Spi-B, both members of the Ets family of transcription factors, to one sequence element. The other element bound RBP-J kappa with low affinity. In addition, co-transfections showed that the replacement of the Spi-1/Spi-B binding site in the bi-directional LMP/TP2 promoter by the analogous SV40 Spi-1 responsive element did not impair its function on EBNA2-mediated transactivation. It is concluded that the transcriptional regulators Spi-1 and Spi-B as well as RBP-J kappa play an essential role in transactivating the LMP/TP2 promoter by EBNA2 and therefore in the immortalization of B cells by EBV.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1994

Identification and characterization of an Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2-responsive cis element in the bidirectional promoter region of latent membrane protein and terminal protein 2 genes.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transforms resting B cells in vitro very efficiently. The nuclear viral protein EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) is absolutely required for this process and also acts as a transcriptional activator of cellular and viral genes. As shown previously, EBNA2 transactivates the promoters of the viral latent membrane proteins. It interacts indirectly with an EBNA2-responsive cis element of the terminal protein 1 (TP1) promoter. To identify the sequences mediating EBNA2 transactivation of the bidirectional promoter region driving expression of the latent membrane proteins LMP and TP2 in opposite directions, we assayed the effects of EBNA2 on the activities of promoter deletion and site-directed mutants of TP2 and LMP promoter luciferase reporter gene constructs by cotransfections into EBNA2-negative Burkitt's lymphoma cells. We were able to delineate an 80-bp EBNA2-responsive region (EBNA2RE) between -232 and -152 relative to the LMP RNA start site which could also mediate EBNA2-dependent activation on a heterologous promoter. Sequences of 20 and 32 bp located at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively, of the EBNA2RE were both essential for EBNA2 responsiveness. Full transactivation of the LMP and TP2 promoters seemed to require 20 bp of 5' adjacent sequences in addition to the 80-bp element. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed specific protein-DNA complexes formed at the EBNA2RE. Oligonucleotides from -181 to -152 and -166 to -132 relative to the LMP RNA start site visualized one B-cell and one B-cell-plus-HL60-specific retarded protein-DNA complex, respectively. Additionally, an oligonucleotide from -253 to -210 revealed two specific protein-DNA complexes with nuclear extracts from different B and non-B cells, suggesting also the binding of ubiquitously expressed proteins on the EBNA2RE. Thus, these experiments defined a 80-bp cis element sufficient for conferring EBNA2 inducibility and demonstrated specific interactions of cellular proteins at DNA sequences within the EBNA2RE, which are critical for transactivation by EBNA2.

Antigens, Viral↗
PubMed1993

Cigarette smoking and lipids and lipoproteins in cord plasma.

The effects of smoking on maternal and cord plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured in 40 smoker mothers and their newborns and compared to nonsmokers. Significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were found in smoker mothers and their newborns in comparison to nonsmokers. These results suggest that smoking does not affect only the lipids and lipoproteins of pregnant women but also those of their fetuses.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Plasma lipid profile in obese children and in children with hereditary predisposition to coronary heart disease.

This study examined risk factors for coronary disease and plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL cholesterol (C), Apo A-1, and Apo B lipoprotein levels in obese children (n = 107) aged 9-12 years old and in children (n = 64) hereditarily predisposed to coronary heart disease (CHD). In the latter group, children's fathers had a history of MI before 50 years of age. A control group of 30 children was also studied, and the plasma lipid profile was investigated in 35 fathers with premature myocardial infarction. Seventy-five percent of the obese children and 60% of the children hereditarily predisposed to CHD had three or more coronary artery disease risk factors. Plasma HDL-C (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p < 0.001-p < 0.05, respectively), Apo A-1 (p < 0.001), and Apo B (p < 0.001) levels were different in both groups compared with controls.

Child↗
PubMed1992

[Evaluation of mimetic expression of schizophrenic and depressed patients by the psychiatrist].

Facial videos of schizophrenic and depressive patients and of healthy controls when watching both funny and horror films and during emotionally positive or negative interviews were rated by psychiatrists (experts) and students (novices). The observers' task was to rate joy, fear, sadness, and expressivity on a 7-point unipolar intensity scale. The soundless facial videos were presented to each observer for exactly 2.5 min. The observer groups did not differ significantly in their ratings except for sadness. Psychiatrists consistently rated expressed sadness as less intense than students. Facial expressivity and joy were rated as less intense in both patient groups in comparison with healthy controls. Depressives expressed significantly more sadness.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Injuries to chemical sense organs of fish due to sublethal levels of water pollution].

Histopathological investigations of taste organs of loaches (Noemacheilus barbatulus, L.) taken from creeks with differing grades of pollution demonstrate variable degrees of damage to taste bud structures. The degree of cell and tissue alteration (including sensory cells) is obviously directly correlated to the level and effective duration of the type of water pollutant. Based on the appearance of taste bud damage due to sublethal grades and qualities of pollution, the gustatory organs of fish may well be suited as a monitoring system for toxic substances in their environments.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Computer-based analysis of facial action in schizophrenic and depressed patients.

With a newly developed computer analysis the space coordinates of light-reflecting points, attached to a subjects' face, were recorded across time with high temporal and spatial resolution. Under different experimental conditions the facial actions of 20 schizophrenics, 20 depressives and 20 normal controls were analysed. Furthermore, raters watched the synchronously recorded video versions of the subject's face and rated them as to expressivity. The findings indicate that depressive and schizophrenic patients exhibited reduced facial activity in the upper part of their face in social interaction conditions. Schizophrenic patients showed reduced facial action responsivity across different conditions and emotions. All patients were judged to be less expressive than normal controls by raters, suggesting apparent disintegrated elements in facial activity, although when computer-analysed they exhibited the same amount of facial activity.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Incidence of autonomy and immune hyperthyroidism before and following preventive use of iodized salt in the Berlin-Brandenburg area].

The incidence of hyperthyroidism was observed in the area of Berlin (1.2 million inhabitants) and in a rural district in the geographical region of the "Mark Brandenburg" (48.115 inhabitants) during the period from 1975 und 1989. This area is characterized with a iodine deficiency grade II (WHO). In 1985 an iodine salt supplementation was introduced by law. The period before iodine salt supplementation 1975-1985 was compared to the period after iodine prophylaxis: there was an increase in hyperthyroidism in the Berlin-area by the ratio 1:3.1 and 1:2.8 (1975-83 compared to 1988 and 1989), in the rural district by 1:1.7 (1980-1985 compared to 1986/87). The ratio autonomy (non immunogenic form) to immunogenic etiology was 1:12 (1977-83), and changed to 1:1.45 in 1988 and 1:16.3 in 1989 after iodine supplementation. The sex ratio male:female was 1:10 before, and 1:6.8 after prophylaxis for hyperthyroidism in total, in autonomy the ratio was observed as 1:12 before and 1:7.7 (1988), 1:4.7 (1989) after supplementation, in immunogenic hyperthyroidism 1:10 unchanged in the early and late period of observation. The increase of hyperthyroidism after iodine prophylaxis correlated well with the consumption of thyrostatic drug Thiamazol (Methimazol) for the whole country. The defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 inhabitants/day increased during the observation time from 0.5 (1984), 0.55 (1985), 0.66 (1986), to 1.47 (1987), 1.26 (1988) and 0.81 (1989). The results are compared and discussed with reports from USA, Iceland, Great Britain, Denmark, Italy and Tasmania. During the period of seven years (1980-87) in the rural district a seasonal dependence of onset in hyperthyroidism was observed in spring time between May and June only in immunogenic hyperthyroidism, despite in thyroidal autonomy the disease began throughout the year without a seasonal peak.

Berlin↗
PubMed1989

Proline is not useful as a chemical probe to measure nitrosation in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with gastric disorders characterised by anacidic conditions.

Aspirated fasting gastric juice from patients with lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and from healthy controls was analysed for nitrite before and after (30, 90, and 240 min) oral administration of 200 mg nitrate. Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests showed no significant differences in fasting gastric juice nitrite concentrations between healthy controls and patients after proximal gastral vagotomy or with gastric/duodenal ulcer (median less than or equal to 0.7 ppm NO-2) and only moderate increases after nitrate administration. Chronic atrophic gastritis patients and patients with Billroth I or II gastric resections showed median concentrations of 2 ppm NO-2 which increased to 20 ppm (up to 200 ppm in one Billroth II patient) after administration of nitrate. Endogenous formation of N-nitrosoproline using the NPRO-test was determined in two groups with low (healthy control and proximal gastral vagotomy patients) and high (Billroth I and II patients) gastric nitrite concentrations. After 12 h fasting, 200 mg nitrate was orally administered, followed 30 min later by 500 mg L-proline. Endogenously formed N-nitrosoproline which is quantitatively excreted in urine was determined in urine over the following 24 hours. In over 80% of the urine samples collected from Billroth I and II patients no detectable NPRO was found whilst in over 85% of the healthy controls and proximal gastral vagotomy patients up to 33.5 micrograms NPRO was detected. In vitro nitrosation kinetics showed that at gastric pH greater than 4 present in both, patients with Billroth I and II resections and with chronic atrophic gastritis, nitrosation of proline does not occur. As alternative chemical probes for quantifying potential endogenous nitrosation in hypoacidic patients the methyl and ethyl esters of proline were investigated. In vivo nitrosation of these two new probes was established in animal experiments using rats and was shown to occur in vitro at pH 4-5. During incubation in human gastric juice, however, almost 30% ester cleavage by non-specific gastric esterases occurred within the first five minutes, thus further limiting the use of these compounds in determining endogenous nitrosation in hypoacidic patients.

Gastric Acidity Determination↗