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Biomedical subjects

E Petry

Publications and source records attributed to E Petry.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Therapeutic efficacy of camptothecin derivatives against human malignant melanoma xenografts.

Camptothecin (CPT) and some of its derivatives are currently used in several clinical studies with patients bearing leukaemias, lymphomas, and malignancies of various solid tissues. Therefore, it is important to establish parameters and conditions that will allow the drugs to exhibit maximal anti-cancer effectiveness with minimal toxic effects. We tested several water-insoluble CPT derivatives for their ability to inhibit growth of human melanoma tumours xenografted in nude mice. We found that anti-tumour effectiveness and drug-induced toxicity depended on (a) the CPT derivative; (b) the drug dose administered; (c) the mode of administration; and (d) the scheduling of drug administration. For all practical purposes, oral administration of the CPT derivative, 9-nitrocamptothecin, has produced the best overall results.

Animals↗

Functional domains of the human C1q A-chain.

This brief review was inspired by discussions relating to the IIIrd. International C1 Workshop (this volume) and the realization that certain functional properties of the C1q molecule are limited exclusively to the A-chain. The collagen-like region of the A-chain contains a major binding site for non-immunoglobulin substances, which include C-reactive protein, serum amyloid P, LPS and DNA. This binding site is immediately adjacent to, and partially overlapping with, an arthritis-modulating epitope common to the C1q A-chain and various types of collagen, including cartilage type II collagen. At the N-terminal end of the C1q A-chain is a leader peptide sequence that anchors the intact C1q molecule firmly in the membrane of macrophages, the C1q molecule can thus be classified as a type II membrane protein, functioning as an additional receptor for molecules known to react with C1q in fluid phase such as the Fc region of IgG, LPS and polyanionic molecules (e.g. chondroitin sulphate, heparin, dextran sulphate etc.). The various domains within the A-chain, and their respective functions (or potential functions), are presented and discussed in the context of the intact C1 molecule and with regard to any wider functional relevance.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Maprotiline poisoning in a child.

A 6-year-old girl presented with tonic-clonic seizures and generalized convulsions lasting several minutes. A serum drug screen revealed maprotiline, and the estimated intake was 12 mg/kg. Despite initial neurologic impairment on discharge, follow-up 6 months later showed normal neurologic function in the patient. This report describes that case and discusses the toxicity associated with maprotiline and its management.

Anthracenes↗

Chest radiography in infant cardiac allotransplantation.

Heart transplants were performed in seven infants at Loma Linda University Medical Center from 1985 to 1987. Five of these seven patients survived. In this report, the radiographic appearance of the chest is presented before surgery, immediately after surgery, and during a documented episode of rejection. The most current available chest radiograph is also presented. Acute rejection was confirmed by clinical, echocardiographic, and ECG findings. The only pulmonary infection encountered was mycoplasma pneumonitis. Four patients developed gastrointestinal rotavirus infections and were shown to have dilated proximal small-bowel folds on upper gastrointestinal studies. At the time of this writing, the prognosis for the five surviving infants is good. We conclude that the radiographs of infants who have received heart transplants show an unusual cardiac contour and slight cardiomegaly. Increasing cardiomegaly can alert one to early rejection. Prominent folds in the small bowel are of uncertain origin and significance, but they may be related to infection resulting from immunosuppression.

Female↗

Interrupted aortic arch complex: successful total correction in the neonate.

Two neonates subjected to definitive repair of interrupted aortic arch complex during the first week of life are presented. Results correlated well with preoperative status. Our definition of complete correction, including direct aortic anastomosis, is discussed along with the surgical strategy employed for successful repair of this otherwise dismal anomaly.

Aorta, Thoracic↗