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Biomedical subjects

C Dejean

Publications and source records attributed to C Dejean.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Genetic relationships between Amerindian populations of Argentina.

A total of 495 individuals from five different Argentinian tribes was examined for variation in 23 blood group and protein genetic systems, and the results were integrated with previous data on some of these systems. These tribes generally present RH * R1, PGM1 * 1, and ACP * A frequencies lower and RH * R2, ESD * 1, and GLO * 1 prevalences higher than those observed in other South American Indian groups. Earlier studies with mitochondrial DNA showed that haplogroup A was present in low frequencies in these tribes, but haplogroup B showed a high prevalence among the Mataco. Average heterozygosities are very similar in the five tribes, while estimates of non-Indian ancestry are generally low. Both the blood group and protein, as well as the mtDNA data sets, divide the five tribes into two groups, and the relationships obtained with the blood group and protein systems are exactly those expected on the basis of geography and language. However, the topology obtained with the mtDNA results was different, possibly due to sampling effects or diverse patterns of exchange between the groups related to sex.

Argentina↗

[Automatic definition of prescription isodose for stereotaxic radiation of arteriovenous malformations].

PURPOSE: To evaluate dosimetric consequences generated by the automatic definition based on lesion coverage of prescription isodose. A clinical series of 124 arteriovenous malformations was analysed. Plan quality was quantified by the standard deviation of the differential dose volume histogram calculated in the lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We define two quantitative protocols based on lesion coverage for the automatic definition of prescription isodose using a volumetric definition of coverage (90% of lesion volume), and an isodose-based definition proposed by RTOG (prescription isodose equals minimum isodose in the lesion divided by 0.9). RESULTS: We have evaluated the plans obtained for these two protocols, calculating several dose-volume indices. These indices are presented as a function of dose-volume histogram standard deviation in order to quantify the consequences of their variations for this representative series of plans. The margin our team tolerates is such that the sum of underdosed lesion and overdosed healthy tissues factors remains lower than one. Protocol based on volumetric coverage gives results situated within this margin. Protocol based on RTOG definition produces conformation indices that could be greater than 1. CONCLUSION: The absolute dose would be decided taking into account examined dose-volume indices and clinical data. A protocol for automatic definition of prescription isodose using volumetric lesion coverage seems to be more judiciously adapted to arteriovenous malformation conformal plans in stereotactic conditions because of variations observed in the overdosage of healthy tissues.

Algorithms↗

[Comparison of biological functional assessment in intensity-modulated radiotherapy: two-dimensional study].

Modulated intensity dose distributions are obtained by inverse planning. It requires an inversion algorithm and an objective function that can be physical or biological. The biological objective functions aim at quantifying the probability of the favourable end of the treatment. The inversion algorithm used is analytical and is based on the mathematical analysis of the singular values decomposition. It proposes as many solutions as there are elementary beams. From the Tumour Control Probability, Normal Tissue Complication Probabilities and complication free tumour control, three biological assessment functions of the proposed solutions are compared with the least square difference between the prescribed and obtained dose distributions. We used a simplified irradiation configuration: Brahme's dose prescription (2D modelling of a prostate) and 9 beams (1D). The choice by mean of biological criterion of the optimal solution makes it possible to increase the average dose in the tumour, so as its homogeneity compared to physical optimisation. Conversely, the organs at risk are then less protected. The laying down of relevant constraints makes it possible to obtain satisfactory dose distributions. Concerning the validity of the models and data used, some limitations appear. At present time, it seems to exclude the use in clinical routine of an only biological optimisation. The future availability of new biological data will allow the development and in particular the clinical use of biological optimisation.

Algorithms↗

[Radiosurgery of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: methodology of the dose prescription and its implications for dosimetric results. Retrospective study of 408 cases].

PURPOSE: To study dosimetric implications of our group dose prescription methodology on a series of 408 cerebral arteriovenous malformations. MATERIAL: and method. Between January 1990 and July 1998, 408 patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations that had never been irradiated before, were treated radiosurgically in a single fraction at Tenon Hospital. 223 patients were treated with a single isocentre and 185 with multiple isocenters. Dosimetric characteristics have been studied as a function of the global quality index of planning, defined our group as the standard deviation of the differential dose volume histogram calculated in the lesion. RESULTS: One percent correlation obtained between some dosimetric data and the global quality index of planning allowed to modelize by linear equations the connection between this quality index and minimum isodose in the lesion, mean doses and isodoses in the underdosed part of the lesion and in the complete lesion. This was done for mono isocentric cases and multi isocentric cases. CONCLUSION: Before the choice of the therapeutic dose and prescription isodose, it is therefore possible from the global quality index of planning to foresee isodoses modelized by the defined equations. So, the radiotherapist can compensate using the prescription since conformity is not perfect and thus attenuate healthy tissues overdosage.

Cohort Studies↗

High prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection in renal transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The newly discovered (1995) hepatitis G virus (HGV) is an RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family with 85% genomic homology to GB virus C (GBV-C). We studied the prevalence of HGV infection among a cohort of 398 renal transplant recipients (RTR), all of whom had previously received blood transfusions, been grafted between August 1984 and December 1991, and been treated by cyclosporin A (CsA) as the main immunosuppressant. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: According to hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody status, and after exclusion of 28 HBs antigen-positive recipients, this cohort had previously been divided into an HCV +ve subgroup (106 RTR; 62 M vs 44 F; 29 French vs 77 non-French) and an HCV -ve subgroup (264 RTR; 181 M vs 83 F, 196 French vs 68 non-French). We randomly selected 27 RTR in the HCV+/HBV- subgroup (14 M vs 13 F, 10 French vs 17 Italians) and 27 RTR in the HCV-/HBV- subgroup (19 M vs 8 F, 18 French vs 9 Italians) for HGV screening. The detection of HGV RNA sequences in serum (viraemia) was done by double nested RT-PCR using specific primers chosen in the 5' non-coding genomic region. The serum detection of specific antibodies (anti E2) was done by ELISA test. All sera (at time of liver biopsy or at last follow-up) were tested in duplicate. RESULTS: The prevalence of HGV viraemia was 26% (14/54) in the whole group and in both HCV +ve and -ve subgroups (7/27). The prevalence of HGV infection (viraemia + and/or anti E2 antibodies +) was 44% (24/54) in the whole group and in both HCV +ve and -ve subgroups (12/27). In addition, the prevalence was similar in males vs females and in French vs foreigners recipients (mostly Italians). In the HCV +ve subgroup, the seven HGV viraemia-positive patients who previously had liver biopsies disclosed chronic active hepatitis in four (mean Knodell score 5.75) and normal livers in three, with only one case of elevated ALT (CAH 5). In the HCV- subgroup, none of the seven HGV+ viraemic patients had elevated ALT and liver biopsy was not performed. CONCLUSION: HGV infection prevalence is high (44%) in RTR, but clearly independent of HCV status and/or the geographical origin of the recipients. This data indicates a different epidemiology as compared to our HCVs previous experience.

Adult↗

[T and B lymphocytes and NK cells in hemolytic uremic syndrome].

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious problem in Argentina, where 50% of the known cases are reported to come from. In the so-called "typical" HUS, anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure are usually preceded by an episode of infection. Many agents such as bacteria, toxins and viruses have been linked with the prodromal episode, but the reason for the occurrence of HUS in only a small portion of individuals with identical previous symptoms, is not clear. The hypothesis of a particular immune response modifying the susceptibility of some hosts to develop the syndrome after an otherwise well tolerated infection is not formally excluded. The aim of our work was to explore some immunological parameters in order to add more data concerning the immunologic changes occurring during the acute phase of HUS in 24 pediatric patients. We coincide with previous authors on the normal values of serum complement levels and the increase of IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations. (Table 1). We also report a significant and transient decrease in the percentage of T lymphocytes and an increase in the relative number of B lymphocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

B-Lymphocytes↗

Early protection to Junín virus of guinea pig with an attenuated Junín virus strain.

Inoculation of guinea pigs with attenuated XJO Junín virus (JV) strain confers protection against challenge with pathogenic XJ-JV strain starting as early as 3 days post infection (p.i.). The protection increased continuously up to 100% by 30 days p.i. Neither stimulation of non-specific cell mediated mechanisms by previous BCG sensitization nor circulating interferon (IFN) seemed essential for such protection. The early detection of the virus in guinea pig organs considered the site of primary JV multiplication suggests that early resistance phenomenon was attributed mainly to direct viral interference.

Animals↗

New genetic data on Amerindians from the Paraguayan Chaco.

New data on 17 blood group and protein genetic systems obtained among the Ayoreo and Lengua Indians of Paraguay are presented. They include the first report on the red cell band-3 protein investigated among South American Indians. This information was integrated with previous results available for these two and four other groups. Five of the six populations reside in the Chaco area, while the sixth was included as an outgroup living elsewhere in Paraguay. Four of the five Chaco tribes exhibit good genetic homogeneity, but the Ayoreo are somewhat different. The results confirm the Chaco as a distinct biological (as well as cultural and economic) region, which should be considered in evaluations of genetic variability among South American Indians.

Alleles↗

[Protection against encephalitis in rats caused by a pathogenic strain of the Junin virus, using peripheral inoculation of an attenuated strain].

Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever manifests itself in man either subclinically or in hemorrhagic or neurological forms, mortality reaching 20%. Although Candid 1 strain is undergoing pilot trials, current therapy still resorts to convalescent serum administration. A neurological model was used to evaluate protection conferred by the attenuated XJC13 Junin virus strain. Newborn rats inoculated intraperitoneally (ip) prove resistant, whereas 8-12 day-old animals infected by intracerebral route with the XJ prototype strain suffer 100% mortality with neurological signs. The aim of this study was to achieve protection in this model and attempt to elucidate the mechanisms involved in resistance. It was observed that the longer the inoculation challenge interval, the greater was the survival percentage. In protected animals, brain viral titres were 3 log lower than in challenged controls, while XJC13 infected unchallenged controls presented low CNS values throughout. Neutralizing antibody levels were not significantly different in experimental versus challenged control groups, ruling out any secondary booster effect on protected rats. Neither the transfer of immunoserum nor of endogenous or exogenous interferon altered mortality. However, when splenocytes from rats infected 10 days previously were transferred prior to XJ challenge, survival was increased to 50%, but there was no gain in protection when cells were treated with antithymocyte serum plus complement. Consequently, protection in this neurological model can be attributed to a cellular immune response.

Animals↗