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Biomedical subjects

F Blum

Publications and source records attributed to F Blum.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

A differential role of CREB phosphorylation in cAMP-inducible gene expression in the rat pineal.

In the rat pineal gland cAMP mediates nocturnal induction of the enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) as well as of transcription factors such as inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) and JunB. Cyclic AMP stimulates the phosphorylation of the DNA binding protein cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). While cAMP-induced CREB phosphorylation appears to be a prerequisite for AA-NAT and ICER gene expression, it is not known whether CREB phosphorylation accounts for the full cAMP response of the two genes. Furthermore, the significance of CREB phosphorylation in cAMP-activated Fra-2 and JunB transcription is unknown. In the present in vitro study we used the serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) to phosphorylate CREB without altering intrapineal cAMP concentration. It was observed that OA (10(-7) M) was less effective than dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP; 10(-3) M) in inducing AA-NAT mRNA and ICER mRNA, respectively. On the basis of this finding, it is concluded that CREB phosphorylation alone is apparently not sufficient for the full cAMP response of the two genes. By contrast, OA and dbcAMP equally stimulated the accumulation of the mRNAs of Fra-2 and JunB. Therefore cAMP may induce Fra-2 and JunB transcripts via CREB phosphorylation. Our observations suggest that CREB phosphorylation plays a critical role in diversification of cAMP-dependent gene induction in the rat pineal.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Superficial migratory thrombophlebitis and the lupus anticoagulant.

The lupus anticoagulant is an antiphospholipid antibody found in association with systemic lupus erythematosus and in a variety of other diseases, as well as in healthy individuals. In the laboratory, the antibody interferes with the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and prolongs the partial thromboplastin time. In vivo, it exerts a procoagulant effect resulting in thrombosis, mainly of the larger veins and arteries. The case of a young woman who developed superficial migratory thrombophlebitis in association with a high titer lupus anticoagulant is presented. Her diagnosis was initially missed because the partial thromboplastin time was not elevated. This appears to have resulted from the use of a specific thromboplastin relatively insensitive to the presence of the antibody. Retesting with a more sensitive reagent showed a markedly prolonged partial thromboplastin time.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Relation of mouth flow to body surface flow during forced oscillation at the chest.

We have investigated the body surface flow/mouth flow transfer function (magnitude ratio and phase difference) in seven healthy male subjects driven at the chest from 4 to 30 Hz. The measurements were performed with a specially designed plethysmograph and analyzer. The subjects were driven with a mechanical oscillator placed on the sternum. After differences in gas temperature and humidity were taken into account, the data were in agreement up to 15 Hz with a simple second-order model including an airway compartment, with a resistance and an inertance, and a shunt compliance representing alveolar gas. At larger frequencies, closer inspection revealed that a third-order model was optimal. We interpret these results as indicating a compartmentalization of gas compliance within the thorax, communicating via a resistive element. Airway inertance did not seem to be distributed.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

Copper ions and hydrogen peroxide form hypochlorite from NaCl thereby mimicking myeloperoxidase.

Sea urchins have elaborated multiple defenses to assure monospermic fertilization. In this work, we have concentrated on a study of the mechanism(s) by which hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) prevents polyspermy in Arbacia punctulata. We found that it is not H2O2 but probably hypochlorous acid/hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl-) derived from H2O2 that is toxic to the supernumerary sperm. The spermicidal activity of H2O2 is potentiated by at least one order of magnitude by cupric ions (Cu2+). This increased toxicity is not due to the formation of hydroxyl radicals (.OH) because .OH scavengers did not counteract the activity of Cu2+. Moreover, substitution of Cu2+ by ferrous ions (Fe2+), which are known to cause formation of .OH from H2O2, had no effect on fertilization even at 10(2)-10(3) times higher concentrations. In contrast, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT), and HOCl/OCl- scavenger, totally reversed the toxic effects of Cu2+. Furthermore, we found that HOCl/OCl- is generated in solutions of H2O2 and Cu2+ in the presence of 0.5 M NaCl and that its accumulation is abolished by AT. Thus it is possible that the antifertility properties of copper are due to its ability to mediate formation of HOCl/OCl-. HOCl/OCl- generated by Cu2+ from H2O2 and Cl-, a low concentration of exogenously added HOCl/OCl-, or increased concentrations of H2O2 has similar inhibitory effects on the fertilization process in sea urchins. Therefore, we suggest that polyspermy is prevented by the action of a myeloperoxidase that affects the formation of HOCl/OCl- from the Cl- present in sea water through reaction with H2O2 generated by the newly fertilized egg.

Amitrole↗
PubMed1982

["Deep scleroderma" or diffuse fibromatous scleroderma. A case-report of uncertain nosologic classification (author's transl)].

An unusual form of scleroderma, seen in one patient, is described. Clinical and histological examinations demonstrated no dermal changes. Both the subcutaneous tissue and the fascias were involved. This case can be distinguished from Shulman fasciitis, on both histological and biological grounds, as well as from scleroderma, since Raynaud phenomena, sclerodactylia, and visceral involvement were lacking.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Dystocia at the onset of labour. An evaluation of the different treatments available (author's transl)].

The authors have carried out a random study on 75 cases in order to evaluate objectively the therapeutic methods usually employed in cases of dystocia in starting labour. These studies have shown the superiority of Syntocinon using an infusion together with epidural analgesia. This attitude goes against the methods of treatment usually used in France. The authors explain the reasons for their choice in the light of factors that they have observed using other therapeutic methods.

Chlorpromazine↗
PubMed1980

[HLA-DRw7 in psoriasis vulgaris].

40 unrelated patients with Psoriasis vulgaris were studied for their HLA-A, B and DRw antigen phenotypes. All underwent a skin biopsy to confirm diagnosis. Like most of the authors, we observed an increase in B13 and B17 antigens (17,50 and 25%) whereas in the healthy population the percentage was (5 and 6,02%) respectively. The strong increase in DRw7 suggests that psoriasis vulgaris was associated with DRw7 antigens, with an unbalanced linkage between the B13 and DRw7 antigens and between the B17 and DRw7 antigens.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

[Acute leukaemia during pregnancy: favourable course of pregnancy in two patients treated with cytosine arabinoside and anthracyclines (author's transl)].

A report of two cases of acute leukaemia discovered during pregnancy. The first was treated from the 24th week with cytosine arabinoside, daunorubicine and vincristine and then rubidazone. Only an incomplete remission was obtained. The pregnancy ended with the birth at the 36th week of a normal child, which remains well at the age of 13 months. The second patient received during the 29th week of pregnancy chemotherapy combining cytosine arabinoside and daunorubicine. Signs of foetal distress appeared at 31 weeks. Delivery took place during the 33rd week in a phase of aplasia. The child was born apparently dead and was resuscitated. A complete remission of the leukaemia was obtained. The child was well at the age of 13 months. A transient neutropaenia was noted at the age of 2 months in both children.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

[HLA-DRw typing in 40 patients with psoriasis].

40 unrelated patients with psoriasis vulgaris were studied for their HLA-A, B and DRw antigens phenotypes. All underwent a skin biopsy to confirm diagnosis. Like most of the authors, we observed an increase in B 13 and B 17 antigens (17,50 % and 25 %) whereas in the healthy populations the percentage was (5 % and 6,02 %) respectively. The strongest increase in DRw7 suggest that the psoriasis vulgaris was associated with DRw7 antigens, with a linkage desequilibrium between the B 13 and DRw7 antigens and between the B 17 and DRw7 antigens.

Genetic Linkage↗
PubMed1980

[Acute upper genital tract infections. II. A. bacteriological study and the therapeutic consequences].

The authors have studied a prospective series of 62 cases of acute upper genital tract infections of different severities. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteriological examination were carried out from different sites: urine, blood, vagina, endocervix, intra-uterine devices and the pouch of Douglas. It is absolutely necessary to follow a strict technique according to the clinical examination in order to interpret the results according to a methodological plan. The results show that the gonococcus was found in 9 out of the 62 cases, which had a very varied flora. The value of the different smears and swabs is then discussed. In this way it is shown that specimens taken from the endocervix are definitely of great value although the ideal is to culture directly from intra-uterine devices or from specimens taken laparoscopically from the tubes. It is possible to give different courses of antibiotics: these should include however active substances against the group of anaerobes, which justifies adding metronidazole routinely. The use of corticoids which are often prescribed to limit the sequelae has not been proven to be of value.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1979

[Severe acute genital infections (Based on 100 cases). A clinical study and the contribution of laparoscopy (author's transl)].

A continuous prospective series of 100 cases of severe acute genital infections which were collected over a period of 16 months at the Gynaecological and Obstetrical Clinic of the Saint Antoine Hospital has been studies using the same protocol. Analysing the history given by these patients before the onset of the illness shows how young they were and how frequently they were nulliparous, as well as the role of intra-uterine contraceptive devices. The correlation between the clinical features and those found on laparoscopy which was carried out almost routinely shows the great advantages of this examination. The authors in their discussion have tried, by analysing groups of symptoms, to show that to make an early correct diagnosis laparoscopy has to be used in a majority of cases. It allows treatment to be instituted quickly and unhesitatingly. Furthermore, it is justified because: It is necessary to find out all lesions that are present and which are unpredictable clinically. It renders it possible to carry out therapeutic manoeuvres (such as cutting adhesions and giving antibiotics locally) and to take swabs for bacteriological examination (this will be discussed in the second part of this article).

Acute Disease↗