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C Bara

Publications and source records attributed to C Bara.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Clinically applicable 7-Tesla magnetic resonance visualization of transplanted human adult stem cells labeled with CliniMACS nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Intra-myocardial transplantation of bone marrow derived cells is currently under clinical evaluation as a therapy for heart failure. A major limitation of all clinical studies for myocardial restoration through cell transfer is the inability to track the fate of the transplanted cells. We present a clinically applicable technique using advanced ultra high-field 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of nanoparticle-labeled transplanted human EPCs in porcine ischemic hearts. METHODS: CD133 positive cells were isolated from bone marrow by magnetic bead selection. Positive cells (5 - 8 x 10 (6) cells) were transplanted into porcine ischemic myocardium (n = 8). Control animals (n = 3) received a medium injection. MRI on a 7T scanner was performed to demonstrate the distribution of the EPCs. RESULTS: CD133+ cells were identified on gradient echo images (T(1)-weighted) within the myocardium 4 weeks after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetically labeled EPCs transplanted for therapeutic neovascularization or reduction of infarct size in myocardial ischemia can be visualized by MRI at high-field strengths.

Adult Stem Cells↗
PubMed2006

[In vivo detection of integration of grafted cells after myocardial transplantation].

Myocardial transplantation of myocytes and bone marrow derived cells is currently under clinical evaluation as an alternative therapy of heart failure. One of the main problems of all clinical studies performed so far is the inability to track the fate of the transplanted cells. The aim of our study was the development of a potentially clinically applicable approach, which allows for detection of the transplanted cells without need for collection of tissue samples. Fetal canine cardiomyocytes were labelled with the non-toxic fluorescent membrane dye Vybrant CM-DiI and delivered into the free wall of the left ventricle of adult mongrel dogs. For subsequent tracking of the cellular graft, the dogs underwent a second operation in which an intra-vital microscope was mounted above the exposed heart within the thorax. A special computer software eliminated artefacts caused by myocardial contraction. Two months after transplantation, the fluorescent graft was macroscopically visible by intra-vital microscopy using a 10x magnification. Histological studies served as microscopic control and confirmed the existence of DiI-labelled cells at the site of injection. Connexin 43 immunoreactivity was visible at junctional complexes between donor and recipient cells, suggesting morphologic and functional coupling as a result of gap junction formation. Our results demonstrate that in vivo detection of transplanted cells in the heart is feasible. Further technical adjustments should allow for thoracoscopic/endoscopic application of this method, making it appropriate for use in other organs and in clinical studies.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Improved outcome of chronic hepatitis B after heart transplantation by long-term antiviral therapy.

Chronic hepatitis B progresses to cirrhosis in the majority of immunosuppressed patients. The outcome of long-term antiviral therapy in HBV-infected organ transplant recipients is unknown. In 1996, we included 20 heart transplant (HT) recipients in a pilot trial to treat chronic hepatitis B with famciclovir. At that time, bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis was evident in 15 individuals (75%). From 1998 onwards, patients were switched to lamivudine in case of primary or secondary virological nonresponse to famciclovir. Adefovir or tenofovir became available at our centre for HT recipients in 2002. After 103 months, one patient was still on famciclovir showing a complete virological response. Sixteen patients were switched to lamivudine after 0.5-4 years of famciclovir therapy. Six of those showed a long-term response to lamivudine therapy lasting for up to 7 years. Lamivudine resistance developed in the remaining 10 patients (63%), in 4 of them successful rescue therapy (adefovir n = 3, tenofovir n = 1) could be initiated. Only one hepatocellular carcinoma developed, which was successfully treated by locoregional ablative therapy. Nine patients died (45%), with lamivudine-resistance-related liver failure as the cause of death in five cases. Significant improvement of Ishak fibrosis scores could be demonstrated in six of the seven patients with more than two sequential liver biopsies available. Long-term antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B can lead to regression of liver cirrhosis in patients after organ transplantation, unless viral resistance occurs. This study demonstrates the urgent need for further antivirals to overcome antiviral resistance.

2-Aminopurine↗
PubMed2003

[Systemic necrobiotic xanthogranuloma with initial pericardial and pulmonary involvement].

INTRODUCTION: Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a rare disease, usually associated with a monoclonal gammapathy. We report a case with pericardial and pulmonary involvement that preceded the appearance of the cutaneous lesions. OBSERVATION: A 58 year-old woman was hospitalized for cardiac tamponade. She has a past history of a ductal carcinoma of the right breast that had been completely cured. Pericardial and pulmonary samples showed a predominantly histiocyte monomorphous infiltrate. Twelve months later, indurated papular-like cutaneous lesions appeared around the eye orbits and on the thorax. The histological examination of the skin revealed a necrobiotic xanthogranuloma and the diagnosis of cutaneous and visceral necrobiotic xanthogranuloma was retained. The patient exhibited an IgG Kappa monoclonal gammapathy of undetermined significance. Sequential treatment with melphalan and general corticosteroids moderately improved the cutaneous lesions but did not modify the monoclonal peak. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case of pericardial involvement of a necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. The discovery of the disease, revealed by a visceral manifestation at the onset is uncommon. The subsequent appearance of typical cutaneous lesions permits the retrospective diagnosis of systemic necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. Because its diagnosis is difficult in the absence of concomitant cutaneous involvement, visceral localizations of the disease must be recognized.

Female↗
PubMed2003

[Efficacy of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis: 10 cases].

UNLABELLED: Axilliary and palmar hyperhidrosis can become a considerable social and psychological handicap. Local treatments are not always effective and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is not without side effects. The efficacy of botulinum toxin has recently been demonstrated in axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis. Between June 2001 and June 2002, we treated all the patients presenting with axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis, resistant to classical treatments, with intradermal injections of botulinum toxin A (Dysport). The aim was to assess the interest of this technique at moderate doses, in a prospective, open, controlled study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The hyperhidrotic areas, revealed by Minor's test, were treated with intradermal injections of 100 U of Dysport in the axilliary form and 250 U in the palmar form. Patients were seen after 1 month and 6 months and underwent a Minor's test, photographic control and they filled-in a questionnaire to measure their satisfaction. RESULTS: Ten patients: 9 women and 1 man aged 19 to 63, were included. Three of them consulted for palmar hyperhidrosis and 7 for auxiliary hyperhidrosis. Within 2 to 7 days, treatment was successful in all patients. The follow-up was of 3 to 12 months. The satisfaction index was comprised between 7/10 and 9/10. The relapse-free interval was of 2 to 9 months. Three patients were given a second injection, which doubled the relapse-free period. Side effects included pain with the palmar injections and moderate headaches. DISCUSSION: This French study confirms the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis with relatively low doses (100 U of Dysport per armpit and 250 U per palm). This is an easily reproducible, well tolerated, method without major side effects.

Adult↗