PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Georgescu

Publications and source records attributed to E Georgescu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Direct identification of Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium gordonae from MB/BacT bottles using AccuProbe.

We evaluated the ability of the AccuProbe (Gen-Probe, San Diego, Calif.) to detect Mycobacterium gordonae and Mycobacterium avium complex directly in liquid medium flagged positive by the MB/BacT (Organon Teknika Corp., Durham, N.C.). Seventy-one bottles from clinical specimens containing M. gordonae and 34 containing M. avium, confirmed by culture, were tested by direct AccuProbe assay for both organisms after additional incubation for > or = 48 h and centrifugation at 4,500 x g for 15 min. Relative light unit (RLU) values were analyzed using the manufacturer's recommended cutoff of 30,000 RLU and a lower cutoff of 10,000 RLU. Using the 30,000 RLU cutoff, 55 of 71 (77.5%) specimens containing M. gordonae yielded positive results, whereas 28 of 34 (82.3%) M. avium complex specimens were correctly identified by direct probe. No specimens shown by culture to contain either M. gordonae or M. avium complex tested positive with the probe for the opposite organism (100% specificity). When the cutoff was lowered to 10,000 RLU, 67 of 71 M. gordonae (94.4%) and 32 of 34 M. avium complex (94.1%) specimens were correctly identified. This difference was significant for M. gordonae (P = 0.004) but not for M. avium complex (P = 0.26) compared to detection using the recommended RLU cutoff. Specificity was 100% for specimens containing M. gordonae that were tested with the M. avium complex probe using the 10,000 RLU cutoff, whereas specificity for specimens containing M. avium complex tested with the M. gordonae probe was 97%. Using a lower RLU cutoff for determining a positive result using the M. gordonae or M. avium complex probes when testing instrument-positive MB/BacT bottles directly will improve sensitivity without substantially compromising specificity.

Bacteriology↗
PubMed2000

Extended magnetic reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause from detection of bi-directional jets

Magnetic reconnection is a process that converts magnetic energy into bi-directional plasma jets; it is believed to be the dominant process by which solar-wind energy enters the Earth's magnetosphere. This energy is subsequently dissipated by magnetic storms and aurorae. Previous single-spacecraft observations revealed only single jets at the magnetopause--while the existence of a counter-streaming jet was implicitly assumed, no experimental confirmation was available. Here we report in situ two-spacecraft observations of bi-directional jets at the magnetopause, finding evidence for a stable and extended reconnection line; the latter implies substantial entry of the solar wind into the magnetosphere. We conclude that reconnection is determined by large-scale interactions between the solar wind and the magnetosphere, rather than by local conditions at the magnetopause.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Shift toward T lymphocytes with Th1 and Tc1 cytokine-secterion profile in the joints of patients with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA), although a heterogeneous disease, is generally believed by rheumatologists to be primarily a disease generated by biomechanical alterations. In order to determine the role of T cells, the pattern of T lymphocyte cytokines and to characterize the mononuclear cells from both peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) from patients with OA flow cytometry with a panel of monoclonal antibodies recognising CD4, CD8 and intracellular cytokines (IL2, IL4, IL10, gamma-IFN) was employed. The coexpression of CD4 and CD8 markers only on the SF T cells surface after in vitro stimulation by phorbol-miristate acetate and ionomicine, but not on PBL or in vitro unstimulated SFL was noted. The intracellular IFN-gamma was detected in enhanced levels in both CD4+ and CD8+ SF T cells, while the IL2 contents was not different in PB and SF samples. The Th2/Tc2 cytokines (IL4 and IL10) were detected in low amounts in both PBL and SFL. This study shows the role of some T cell populations and cytokines in the generation of joint destruction in osteoarthritis.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The migratory and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients.

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play a central role in the elimination of most extracellular pathogenic microorganisms and any impairment of their functions therefore predisposes to defect immune defence. We investigated the migratory and phagocytic functions of the PMNs isolated from peripheral blood and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). The results suggest that in RA the number and the migratory but not phagocytic capacity of synovial fluid (SF) neutrophils were enhanced, while in OA they were significantly decreased in synovial fluid cells comparatively with peripheral blood (PB). The migratory function of both PB and SF cells from RA patients was increased comparatively with that of the cells from OA patients. We found the different abnormal functions in synovial fluid neutrophils from RA and OA patients. These results may help to elucidate the underlying mechanism which leads to severe joint destruction and different susceptibility to infectious diseases in patients with rheumatic disorders.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies regarding the efficiency of Supro isolated soy protein in Olympic athletes.

66 Romanian olympic endurance athletes (30 kayak-canöe, 36 rowing; 45 males and 21 females) participated in our trial, for the purpose to make evident possible biological effects of Supro isolated soy protein supply (1.5 g/kg/day, 8 weeks). At random the athletes were divided into two groups: A group (n = 38) and B group (n = 28). Daily programme (4-6 hours daily, endurance and strength), food and medication were similar for all athletes. The athletes of the A group received daily 1.5 g/kg SuproR soy protein, for 8 weeks while the athletes of the B group did not received soy protein supply. Two months soy protein supply induced increases of body mass (about 3 kg, especially by lean body mass), strength indexes, serum proteins, haemoglobin and total calcium and significant decreases of urinary mucoproteins and fatigue after training sessions, especially when comparing to the athletes of the B group. No damages of liver, kidney and metabolism tests were noticed in all athletes; no side effects were noticed and the product was well tolerated by athletes. When applying the cross-over method for other 2 months we obtained the same results. Based on these data the authors support the idea of a beneficial effect of this soy protein supply on the biological preparation of endurance top athletes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Severe acute pancreatitis--diagnostic and therapeutic strategy].

To establish the optimal diagnosis and therapeutical strategy in severe acute pancreatitis. 94 (56.9%) severe acute pancreatitis (79 males and 15 females, aged between 26 and 81), selected from 165 acute pancreatitis admitted in the last 5 years (2000-2004) were analyzed. The disease was assigned as severe when one or more of the following criteria were present: Ranson score >3 on admission or at 48 hours, APACHE II score >8, visceral failures, Balthazar CT score C, D or E and local complications (infected necrosis, pseudocyst or pancreatic abscess). Medical treatment (aggressive supportive intensive care therapy, minimizing pancreatic secretion and antibiotic therapy) was the first therapeutical step in all cases. 49 (52.1%) patients were operated on: 20 as early surgery imposed by biliary sepsis (16 cases) or by an acute abdomen with uncertain etiology and unfavourable evolution, and 22 as late surgery (at least 12 days after onset), imposed by the presence of the infected pancreatic necrosis, visceral failures or other local complications, the necrosectomy being the main surgical procedure for infected necrosis. 77 (81.9%) cases had a fair evolution. The conservative treatment led to a complete recovery in 37 (37.2%) cases. We registered an overall mortality rate of 12.7% and postoperative mortality rate of 14%; we also registered 5 (10.2%) postoperative complications: 4 pancreatic and 1 colonic fistulae. (1) The treatment of the severe acute pancreatitis must be performed only in the specialized multidisciplinary well equipped centers with very well trained staff. (2) Medical conservative treatment (aggressive supportive intensive care therapy and antibiotic therapy) is the main therapeutical method within the acute phase (first two weeks). (3) Very restrictive surgical indications within the acute phase. (4) Necrosectomy is the main surgical procedure for the infected necrosis.

Abscess↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Postoperative biliary peritonitis--diagnosis and treatment difficulties].

AIM: To point out the severity of the postoperative biliary peritonitis (PBP) and to established the most proper ways of diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 14 PBP (6 males and 8 females, age between 42 and 76 years) admitted in the last 14 years were analyzed. The PBP occurred after biliary surgery in 13 cases and after gastro-duodenal surgery in 1 case. The delay between the first operation and the establishing of the diagnosis and reoperation varied between 24 hours and more than 3 days. All the patients were operated on; the operation had to fulfill 2 main objectives: the treatment of the peritonitis and to solve the biliary lesions. RESULTS: 6 patients had a fair evolution. We registered 8 complications with a morbidity rate of 57,14% and 2 deaths with a mortality rate of 14,3%. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Postoperative biliary peritonitis is one of the most severe complications of the biliary and gastro-duodenal surgery, due to preoperative unrecognized biliary lesions or occurring as postoperative accidents or complications. 2. The clinical picture, deeply modified by the complex postoperative treatment makes the early diagnosis very difficult and leads to a delay of the re-operation. 3. The treatment is exclusively a surgical one, with two main objectives: the biliary lesion repair and the treatment of the peritonitis. 4. The postoperative biliary peritonitis are charged by a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, the delay of the diagnosis and the time of reoperation being the main risk factor.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The pancreatic pseudocyst--late complication of the severe acute pancreatitis. Therapeutic options].

AIM: the assessment of the therapeutical methods in the pancreatic pseudocyst occurred after severe acute pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 30 (33.3%) pancreatic pseudocysts (18 men and 12 women aged between 28-64) occurred in the evolution of 90 severe acute pancreatitis in the last 5 years (2000-2004) were analyzed. The diagnosis was established on the clinical and imaging aspects on average 1 month after the onset of the severe acute pancreatitis. The treatment was different, depending on size, anatomo-clinical form, pseudocyst age, presence of complications and the biological status of the patient. 14 uncomplicated pseudocysts, with the diameter less than 6 cm, were treated conservatively, until their complete resorption. 6 cases were operated on (2 cysto-gastrostomy, 1 cysto-jejunostomy and 3 external drainage). We performed percutaneous external CT guided drainage in 2 cases and endoscopic drainage in other 8 cases (trans-papillary-trans-ductal drainage 3 cases and endoscopic US guided drainage in 5 cases: transgastric 2, transduodenal 2 and transesophageal 1). RESULTS: 28 (93.3%) cases had a fair evolution (complete resorption in 14 uncomplicated pseudocysts after 3-6 weeks of conservative treatment). We registered 2 gastro-duodenal bleeding during endoscopic US guided drainage, which required operation (haemostasis cysto-gastrostomy). Mortality rate was 0. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The pseudocyst is the main late complication of the severe acute pancreatitis (33.3% in our study). 2. The uncomplicated pseudocysts with the diameter less than 6 cm, benefit of the conservative treatment and monitoring in progress until their complete resolution. 3. There are 3 therapeutical methods for the pseudocysts more than 6 cm in diameter and/or complicated: the percutaneous external US/CT guided drainage, the endoscopic drainage and surgery. 4. The option for the drainage procedure must take into account the morphological and evolutionary aspects of the pseudocyst, the age and biological status of the patient.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies concerning chronic and acute effects of L-carnitina in elite athletes.

Chronic and acute effects of L-Carnitina (vials of 1 g L-Carnitina endovenous; per orally administered vials of 1 g L-Carnitina; tablets of 1 g L-Carnitina) were recorded in 110 top athletes (rowing, kayak-canoe, swimming, weightlifting medium and long-distance runners), 47 girls and 63 boys, by six double blind placebo trials and cross over. Significant changes were registered after L-Carnitina treatment (both for a single dose or after 3 weeks of treatment) compared to placebo, for FFA, triglycenides, lactic acid after exercise, evoked muscular potential, plasma carnitine (free and acetyl-carnitine), urine carnitine (free carnitine) and others. The authors explain these changes by the increase of free carnitine, which permits a larger quantity of FFA to enter the mitochondria and to be more extensively used as energy source in endurance and strength efforts. Based on these results the authors recommend L-Carnitina as an ergogenic aid in elite athletes, especially in endurance and strength sports.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies concerning chronic and acute effects of L-carnitine on some biological parameters in elite athletes.

Chronic and acute effects of L-carnitine have been recorded in a group of elite athletes by a prospective double blind placebo controlled trial. Forty top athletes (20 boys, kayak-canoë, 10 weightlifters and 10 girls, rowers) received orall 3 g L-carnitine daily for 3 weeks while 38 top athletes (20 kayak-canoë, 8 weightlifters and 10 rowers) received the same medicine as placebo. Significant changes were registered in the treated group concerning FFA and triglycerides, strength index, VO2max., urinary mucoproteins and in the control group concerning Ld (distal latency). All athletes were under medical supervision and had a controlled training program and food. The effects of a single oral dose (4 g L-carnitine were recorded in a group of 18 top weightlifters under basal conditions and 90' after L-carnitine ingestion. Significant changes in the treated group were registered for the FFA, triglycerides, urinary mucoproteins and distal latency of the right and left median nerve. Based on these data the authors recommend this aminoacid both for chronic and acute effects as a physiological mean for the biological preparation of elite athletes during hard training and competitions.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Studies concerning some acute biological changes after endovenous administration of 1 g l-carnitine, in elite athletes.

Acute effects of l-carnitine (vials of 1 g endovenous) were recorded in a group of elite athletes (17 swimmers) by a prospective double-blind placebo-controlled trial and cross over. Significant changes were registered after l-carnitine injection, compared to placebo, for FFA, triglycerides, lactic acid after exercise, evoked muscular potential, 90 to 120 minutes after injection. The authors explain these changes by the increase of free carnitine, which permits a larger quantity of FFA to enter the mitochondria and to be more extensively used as energy source.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A heterologous radioimmunoassay system for human osteocalcin. Applications in performance sports girls.

Taking into account the involvement of the measurement of osteocalcin, a protein-containing gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), in investigating the physiopathology of bone and calcium metabolism, a radioimmunoassay (RIA) method useful in human clinics was developed. The reagents for the RIA of human osteocalcin namely, the radioiodination preparation, the reference preparation and the antiserum were obtained starting from bovine bone on account of the structure similarities between bovine and human osteocalcin. The reagents were incubated at 4 degrees C for 48 h followed by the polyethylene-glycol (PEG) separation technique. The sensitivity of the osteocalcin RIA method is 2.0 ng/ml, the intraassay precision is 3-5% and the interassay precision, 8-12% (coeficient of variation). Osteocalcin was measured in the sera of 3 groups of performance sports girls under basal conditions and being of more or less similar ages: rowing girls (n = 10, mean age 16 yr 6 mos), gymnast girls (n = 13, mean age 14 yr 8 mos) and table tennis girls (n = 9, mean age 16 yr). The same samples were used for the measurement of myoglobin. Osteocalcin quantification showed similar levels in the rowing and the table tennis girls, i.e. 11.91 +/- 3.39 ng/ml (X +/- SD) and 9.50 +/- 4.15 ng/ml, respectively. By contrast, in the gymnast girls, the osteocalcin levels were about 4 times higher (44.31 +/- 7.27 ng/ml) than in the other two groups. Myoglobin measurements showed lower levels in the gymnast group, than in the rowing and the table tennis groups, the latter two having similar levels. The multiplicative increase of osteocalcin in the gymnast girls is interpreted and commented in relation to their age and sexual development.

Adolescent↗