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Biomedical subjects

F Picard

Publications and source records attributed to F Picard.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A unique PPARgamma ligand with potent insulin-sensitizing yet weak adipogenic activity.

FMOC-L-Leucine (F-L-Leu) is a chemically distinct PPARgamma ligand. Two molecules of F-L-Leu bind to the ligand binding domain of a single PPARgamma molecule, making its mode of receptor interaction distinct from that of other nuclear receptor ligands. F-L-Leu induces a particular allosteric configuration of PPARgamma, resulting in differential cofactor recruitment and translating in distinct pharmacological properties. F-L-Leu activates PPARgamma with a lower potency, but a similar maximal efficacy, than rosiglitazone. The particular PPARgamma configuration induced by F-L-Leu leads to a modified pattern of target gene activation. F-L-Leu improves insulin sensitivity in normal, diet-induced glucose-intolerant, and in diabetic db/db mice, yet it has a lower adipogenic activity. These biological effects suggest that F-L-Leu is a selective PPARgamma modulator that activates some (insulin sensitization), but not all (adipogenesis), PPARgamma-signaling pathways.

Adipocytes↗

Symptomatic postictal cardiac asystole in a young patient with partial seizures.

This report describes a patient with complex partial seizures arising from the right temporal lobe who developed symptomatic sinus arrest following the end of his seizure activity. A ventricular pacemaker was implanted and was documented to function appropriately, preventing development of bradycardia associated symptoms during subsequent seizures. Possibly relevant cerebral structures are briefly discussed.

Adult↗

Lipid deposition in rats centrally infused with leptin in the presence or absence of corticosterone.

The aim of the present study was to assess whether the glucocorticoid corticosterone (Cort) modulates the effects of leptin on food intake and lipid deposition. Rats were subjected to a 6-day intracerebroventricular infusion of leptin and were either sham-adrenalectomized (Sham-ADX) or ADX and supplemented with 0 (C0), 40 (C40), or 80 mg (C80) of Cort. Investigation of potential peripheral sites of interaction of leptin and Cort included liver and plasma triglyceride (TG) content and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in adipose and muscle tissues. The study confirmed the respective anorectic and orexigenic effects of leptin and Cort and revealed that the leptin-induced reduction in food intake was dampened by the high dose of Cort replacement. Such an interaction did not, however, extend to body and adipose tissue weights, which were lowered by leptin infusion independently of the Cort status. Leptin and ADX significantly reduced liver TG content and triglyceridemia, whereas Cort replacement significantly increased these variables. Central infusion of leptin also lowered plasma insulin levels, accompanied by a reduction in LPL activity of storage tissues (inguinal and epididymal white adipose tissue, 2- and 3-fold, respectively). In contrast, leptin infusion increased LPL activity in oxidative tissues (soleus and vastus lateralis muscles, 3- and 4-fold, respectively). Cort replacement prevented the ADX-induced fall in epididymal LPL activity but failed to do so in leptin-infused rats. The study demonstrates that, whereas the anorectic effect of leptin is dampened by high but physiological plasma levels of corticosterone, leptin can produce its effects on body weight, lipid transport and accumulation, and adipose and muscle LPL activity in the absence or presence of an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Adipose Tissue↗

Bodyweight gain and anticonvulsants: a comparative review.

Bodyweight gain is a common and frequent undesirable effect associated with the use of anticonvulsant drugs. This has been observed for many years with valproic acid (sodium valproate) and carbamazepine, and also, more recently, with some of the newer anticonvulsants such as vigabatrin and gabapentin. Very often bodyweight gain in children, adolescents and adults with epilepsy taking such anticonvulsants results in cosmetic adverse effects. On the other hand, bodyweight gain is disturbing to general health, with a possible increase in the risk of diabetes mellitus or heart disease. Other potential adverse effects, such as the association of obesity with polycystic ovaries, have been reported with the use of valproic acid. Potential mechanisms of anticonvulsant-associated bodyweight gain are not yet clear and differ between drugs used. The involvement of lowered blood glucose level, which may stimulate eating through an effect on the hypothalamus, constitutes one of the possible mechanisms. Lowered blood glucose levels may result from a competition between the binding of the drug and long chain fatty acids. An increased availability of the latter stimulates insulin production and lowers the serum glucose levels. Another possible explanation for lowered blood glucose may be a deficiency in carnitine directly caused by the drug, that would result in a reduction of fatty acid metabolism and an increase in glucose consumption. An enhancing effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid-mediated neurotransmission may increase appetite for carbohydrates and reduce energy expenditure. An antidiuretic hormone-like effect or effects on norepinephrine (noradrenaline) or serotonin-mediated neurotransmission are more rarely considered. Many studies on anticonvulsant-associated bodyweight gain illustrate how we could better define the risk factors for the development of anticonvulsant-induced bodyweight gain and uncover the mechanisms behind it.

Anticonvulsants↗

[Acute anterior instability of the shoulder: short- and mid-term outcome after conservative treatment].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We assessed short and mid-term outcome after emergency care for acute anterior instability of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Between October 1990 and May 1996, 233 shoulders (206 anteromedial dislocations, 21 dislocations with spontaneous reduction, and 6 painful shoulders with unknown instability) were treated, mainly orthopedically. The series included 165 men and 68 women, mean age 42 years (range 13-95 years). One hundred fifty-eight practiced sports more or less regularly (73% of the 216 patients) and a sports accident was involved in 121 cases (52.8%). Besides the usual lesions secondary to bone displacement, there were 51 fracture-avulsions of the greater tuberosity, 7 major fractures of the anteroinferior border of the glenoid cavity, 2 fractures of the coracoid process, 10 nerve lesions (6 axillary nerve palsies and 4 partial palsies of the brachial plexus) and 10 rotator cuff tears. Orthopedic reduction was performed in the emergency room in all patients with a dislocated shoulder (82%). Immobilization, elbow to body, was prescribed for 8 to 15 days. Sixteen patients (6.8%) underwent surgery during the days following reduction, 8 for displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity, 7 for important fracture of the glenoid cavity and 1 for avulsion of the rotator cuff. RESULTS: Patient files (n=210) or phone interviews (n=185) were used to assess outcome. Mean follow-up was 38 months (12 - 72 months). All nerve lesions regressed within a few weeks without sequelae. We had 6 cases of retractile capsulitis and 4 cases of reflex dystrophy that regressed totally in 3 to 6 months. Recurrent dislocation was observed in 52 cases (24.7% recurrence rate) with 29 occurring within one year (55.8%). Among the 145 other shoulders, 84 recovered completely (58%), 52 were occasionally bothersome (36%), 8 exhibited repeated subdislocation (5.5%) and one remained pseudoparalytic. Among the factors favoring recurrence, we found patient age (higher risk in younger subjects) and lack of rehabilitation (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: Acute anterior dislocation of the shoulder is frequent, but emergency surgical repair is rarely needed (15 cases in our series, 6.9%). Mid-term recurrence is not as frequent as is often thought, warranting the choice of first intention orthopedic care. Our findings demonstrated that emergency surgery is not indicated in most cases of anterior shoulder instability, even with the arthroscopic approach, especially since the results of this method remain unclear.

Accidents↗

Flow cytometry detection of platelet procoagulation activity and microparticles in patients with unstable angina treated by percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stent implantation.

Platelet activation is known to participate to the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes. Aminophospholipid exposure and microparticles shedding are hallmarks of full platelet activation and may account for the dissemination of prothrombotic seats. Using flow cytometry analysis of annexin V binding to externalized aminophospholipids, we followed platelet procoagulant activity (PPA) and platelet microparticles (PMP) shedding in venous and coronary whole blood samples from 30 patients with unstable angina before and after percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stent implantation. Baseline values of PPA and PMP were significantly more elevated in patients than in control subjects (p < 0.005). PMP percentage was significantly higher in coronary than in venous blood, and in coronary blood of patients with proximal instead of mid/distal lesions of coronary arteries. No enhancement of platelet reactivity to TRAP and collagen was induced by procedure. Whereas activated GpIIb-IIIa and P-selectin expression decreased 24 h and 48 h after procedure, PPA and PMP remained as elevated as before. Thus, flow cytometry is a reliable method for detection of fully activated platelets in whole blood samples. Annexin V binding analysis demonstrates the persistance of in vivo platelet activation, despite the use of antiaggregating agents.

Aged↗

Genome search for susceptibility loci of common idiopathic generalised epilepsies.

Genetic factors play a major role in the aetiology of idiopathic generalised epilepsies (IGEs). The present genome scan was designed to identify susceptibility loci that predispose to a spectrum of common IGE syndromes. Our collaborative study included 130 IGE-multiplex families ascertained through a proband with either an idiopathic absence epilepsy or juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and one or more siblings affected by an IGE trait. In total, 413 microsatellite polymorphisms were genotyped in 617 family members. Non-parametric multipoint linkage analysis, using the GeneHunter program, provided significant evidence for a novel IGE susceptibility locus on chromosome 3q26 (Z(NPL) = 4.19 at D3S3725; P = 0.000017) and suggestive evidence for two IGE loci on chromosome 14q23 (Z(NPL) = 3.28 at D14S63; P = 0.000566), and chromosome 2q36 (Z(NPL) = 2.98 at D2S1371; P = 0.000535). The present linkage findings provide suggestive evidence that at least three genetic factors confer susceptibility to generalised seizures in a broad spectrum of IGE syndromes. The chromosomal segments identified harbour several genes involved in the regulation of neuronal ion influx which are plausible candidates for mutation screening.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14↗

A novel missense mutation (C30S) in the gene encoding tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 linked to autosomal-dominant recurrent fever with localized myositis in a French family.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize both phenotypic (clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] findings) and genotypic aspects of autosomal-dominant recurrent fever, also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), in a French family and to investigate the role of the mutated 55-kd tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) receptor (TNFR1) in the pathogenesis of the disease. METHODS: The coding region of TNFR1 was sequenced in 2 individuals with TRAPS (the propositus and her grandfather) and in 3 clinically unaffected relatives. Expression of soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1) was investigated in 3 of the family members carrying a C30S mutation in TNFR1, and was compared with the levels of soluble TNFR2 (sTNFR2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The membrane TNFR1 expression was then compared with membrane TNFR2 levels at the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometric analysis. The clinical heterogeneity in this French family was investigated by searching polymorphic variants in the TNFalpha promoter by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Both the disease course and the clinical presentation in the propositus were highly indicative of TRAPS. MRI study of the segmental inflammatory process in the limbs showed abnormal signals in the muscle and subcutaneous tissue without involvement of adjacent joints or fascia. A novel missense mutation, C30S, in the first extracellular N-terminal cysteine-rich domain (CRD1) of TNFR1 was characterized in the propositus, her affected grandfather, and her clinically unaffected father. Expression of membrane TNFR1 at the surface of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, as well as the levels of sTNFR1 in serum when the disease was not active were not modified in the 3 individuals carrying the TNFR1 C30S mutation. In contrast, during attacks, sTNFR1 levels remained abnormally low, as compared with the levels in unrelated patients with active adult-onset systemic Still's disease. The clinical heterogeneity could not be explained by a polymorphic variant in the TNFalpha promoter. CONCLUSION: TRAPS is a distinct clinical and radiologic disease entity that is responsible for recurrent fever and migratory cellulitis-like processes with localized myositis. We have identified a novel TNFR1 mutation, C30S, that is located in the CRD1 domain in a French family affected by the disease. This mutation seems to affect the level of sTNFR1, which did not increase in the propositus during inflammatory attacks.

Adolescent↗

Abnormal insulin and beta-adrenergic modulation of lipoprotein liipase during refeeding after prolonged fasting in the Zucker rat.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To characterise the response of tissue lipoprotein lipase to refeeding after prolonged (24 h) fasting in lean and obese Zucker rats, and to verify whether lipoprotein lipase in obese rats is resistant to the short-term action of insulin and escapes modulation by the beta-adrenergic pathway. METHODS: Lean Fa/? and obese fa/fa male Zucker rats fasted for 24 h and refed at will. Lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose and muscle tissues was assessed in the freely fed and fasted states and at various times during refeeding, with or without beta-adrenergic blockade (propranolol). RESULTS: The 24 h fast erased the phenotype-related differences in insulinaemia and adipose lipoprotein lipase activity present in freely fed rats. Adipose lipoprotein lipase increased twofold in obese rats 1 h after refeeding, whereas no change occurred at that time in lean rats. Activity remained at that level for at least 6 h after refeeding in obese rats, whereas in lean animals it was increased fivefold after 6 h of refeeding. In muscle of obese rats, lipoprotein lipase decreased in response to refeeding, but paradoxically increased twofold in lean animals. Giving propranolol to lean rats before refeeding abolished the atypical response of muscle lipoprotein lipase to food intake and restored the early (1 h after refeeding) increase in adipose lipoprotein lipase but had no effect in obese rats. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Refeeding after prolonged fasting activates the P-adrenergic pathway in lean rats, which transiently counteracts insulin-mediated modulation of lipoprotein lipase. The P-adrenergic pathway is not activated by refeeding in adipose tissue and muscle of the obese Zucker rat. In the obese Zucker rat, the early modulation of adipose lipoprotein lipase activity is abnormal upon refeeding after prolonged fasting, suggesting short-term resistance to the action of insulin.

Adipose Tissue↗

Activity of the caspase-3/CPP32 enzyme is increased in "early stage" myelodysplastic syndromes with excessive apoptosis, but caspase inhibition does not enhance colony formation in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive apoptosis may have a role in the ineffective hematopoiesis and cytopenias observed in myelodysplastic syndromes. The goals of this study were 1) to quantify apoptosis in patients with "early stage" myelodysplasia [including patients with refractory anemia (RA), RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), RA with excess blasts and with less than 10% blasts (RAEB(<10))], and in patients with "late stage" myelodysplasia [including RAEB with more than 10% blasts (RAEB(>10)), RAEB in transformation (RAEB-t), and acute myeloid leukemia secondary to myelodysplasia (LAM2)]; 2) to study the activation of the caspase-3/CPP32 enzyme, a major "effector" caspase in hematopoiesis, in patients with "early stage" myelodysplasia, and 3) to evaluate the effect of caspase inhibition on the apoptotic phenotype and clonogenicity of hematopoietic progenitors in vitro in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS PATIENTS: Fifty-four patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, including 30 with "early stage" myelodysplasia and 24 with "late stage" myelodysplasia were studied. Study of apoptosis: TUNEL assay performed on bone marrow smears and/or quantification of annexin V positive bone marrow mononuclear cells by flow cytometric analysis. Caspacse-3/CPP32 activity: Quantitative measurement of caspase-3/CPP32 activity on total bone marrow mononuclear cells using a fluorogenic substrate. Effect of the caspase-inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK: 1) on the apoptotic phenotype of total bone marrow mononuclear cells and 2) on the clonogenicity of hematopoietic progenitor cells. RESULTS: The group of 30 patients with "early stage" myelodysplasia had statistically increased apoptosis compared to the group of 24 patients with "late stage" myelodysplasia (44.1% +/- 4.8 vs 21.8% +/- 3.6; p = 0.02) using the TDT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. In the group of patients with RAEB, those with MDS(RAEB<10) had excessive apoptosis compared to those with MDS(RAEB>10) (44.0% +/- 3.5% vs 29.5% +/- 3.6%;p = 0.042) The median caspase-3 activity in 20 "early stage" myelodysplasia patients was 19,000 U (range 3,460-41,000) and significantly increased compared to normal individuals (4,256 U, range 3,200-5,200; p = 0.032) Bone marrow mononuclear cells from 12 "early stage" MDS patients (including 11 from the 20 studied for caspase-3 activity) were incubated with or without the broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. In 4 of 9 evaluable patients (44.4%) with excessive apoptosis, the number of annexin V positive cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of Z-VAD-FMK. However, in none of these patients was caspase inhibition with Z-VAD-FMK able to enhance colony formation in vitro. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that a major characteristic of patients with "early stage" myelodysplasia is increased apoptosis. The results also indicate that excessive apoptosis in these patients is accompanied by increased caspase-3/CPP32 activity. However, caspase inhibition with the broad-spectrum inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK cannot improve hematopoiesis in this group of patients, even when apoptosis is attenuated.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones↗

Synthesis of N-substituted piperidine-4-(benzylidene-4-carboxylic acids) and evaluation as inhibitors of steroid-5alpha-reductase type 1 and 2.

The synthesis of N-substituted piperidine-4-(benzylidene-4-carboxylic acids) is described [benzoyl (1), benzyl (2), adamantanoyl (3), cyclohexanoyl (4), cyclohexylacetyl (5), diphenylacetyl (6), dicyclohexylacetyl (7), 2-propylpentanoyl (8), diphenylcarbamoyl (9), trimethylacetyl (10), 3,3-dimethylacryloyl (11), dicyclohexylacetyl derivative of the benzyl compound (12)]. Compounds were tested for inhibitory activity toward 5alpha-reductase isozymes 1 and 2 in human and rat. The test compounds inhibited 5alpha-reductase, showing a broad range of inhibitory potencies. In rat, compounds 6 (IC50 = 3.44 and 0.37 microM for type 1 and 2, respectively) and 9 (IC50=0.54 and 0.69 microM for type 1 and 2, respectively) displayed the best inhibition toward both isozymes. Compound 7 showed a strong inhibition toward type 2 human and rat enzyme (IC50 = 60 and 80 nM) but only a moderate activity versus type 1 enzyme (IC50 approximately 10 microM for rat and human enzyme). In vivo, selected compounds reduced prostate weights in castrated testosterone treated rats.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Severe but reversible encephalopathy associated with cefepime.

In this study, a report has been made of 19 cases of severe encephalopathy in patients with renal impairment who were treated during the last three years for various infections with cefepime, a new parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic. All patients (aged 57 to 91 years) presented a prolonged confusional state associated with diffuse rhythmic non-reactive triphasic sharp waves on the EEG. All the electroclinical symptomatology disappeared within 24-48 hours after discontinuation of drug administration. A clear relation was found between encephalopathy and cefepime intake. These observations underline the fact that the cefepime dosage should be reduced in renally impaired patients.

Aged↗

Topiramate reduces energy and fat gains in lean (Fa/?) and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of topiramate (TPM), a novel neurotherapeutic agent reported to reduce body weight in humans, on the components of energy balance in female Zucker rats. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: A 2 x 3 factorial experiment was performed in which two cohorts of Zucker rats differing in their phenotype (phenotype: lean, Fa/?; obese, fa/fa) were each divided into three groups defined by the dose of TPM administered (dose: TPM 0, vehicle; TPM 15, 15 mg/kg; TPM 60, 60 mg/kg). RESULTS: The reduction in body weight gain induced by TPM in both lean and obese rats reflected a decrease in total body energy gain, which was more evident in obese than in lean rats. Whereas TPM administration did not influence the intake of digestible energy in lean rats, it induced a reduction in food intake in obese animals. In lean, but not in obese rats, apparent energy expenditure (as calculated by the difference between energy intake and energy gain) was higher in rats treated with TPM than in animals administered the vehicle. The low dose of TPM decreased fat gain (with emphasis on subcutaneous fat) without affecting protein gain, whereas the high dose of the drug induced a reduction in both fat and protein gains. The effects of TPM on muscle and fat depot weights were representative of the global effects of TPM on whole body fat and protein gains. The calculated energetic efficiency (energy gain/energy intake) was decreased in both lean and obese rats after TPM treatment. TPM dose independently reduced hyperinsulinemia of obese rats, but it did not alter insulinemia of lean animals. DISCUSSION: The present results provide sound evidence for the ability of TPM to reduce fat and energy gains through reducing energetic efficiency in both lean and obese Zucker rats.

Adipose Tissue↗

Effects of the estrogen antagonist EM-652.HCl on energy balance and lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: The estrogen antagonist EM-652.HCl behaves as a highly potent and pure antiestrogen in human breast and uterine cancer cells. Because of its pure antiestrogenic activity in these cells, and because its prodrug, EM-800, reduces bone loss and decreases serum cholesterol and triglycerides in the rat, EM-652.HCl can be classified as a pure selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This study was conducted to assess the ability of EM-652.HCl to prevent obesity and abnormalities of lipid metabolism induced by ovariectomy in a rat model. DESIGN: Female rats were left intact or ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX rats were treated with placebo, estradiol (E2), or EM-652.HCl for 20 days. At the end of the treatment period, parameters of energy balance and determinants of lipid metabolism were assessed. RESULTS: As expected, OVX increased energy intake, which in turn was accompanied by an increased energy, fat and protein gain and higher food efficiency. OVX also increased the triglyceride content of the liver and produced hypercholesterolemia and hyperinsulinemia. The weight of representative white adipose depots was higher in OVX than in intact rats. Lipoprotein lipase activity was higher in white adipose tissues of OVX rats than in those of intact animals, whereas its activity was lower in oxidative tissues (brown adipose and soleus muscle). Replacement therapy with a physiological dose of E2 prevented most of the abnormalities in energy and lipid metabolism brought about by OVX, although its orexigenic effect was only partially corrected. In contrast, treatment of OVX rats with EM-652. HCl completely abolished OVX-induced obesity and its related abnormalities in lipid metabolism and glucose/insulin homeostasis. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that EM-652.HCl can be considered as an effective agent to prevent OVX-induced obesity. The present study also shows that EM-652.HCl reduces cardiovascular risk factors associated with obesity such as hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance.

Animals↗

Nitric oxide: a new player in the modulation of energy metabolism.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key messenger molecule in several cell types. NO formation is catalyzed by a family of NO synthases (NOS) that use L-arginine as a substrate. Rat adipose tissue expresses the inducible, macrophage-type, nitric oxide (NO) synthase isoform (iNOS). Systemic administration of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly increases the expression and activity of iNOS in both white and brown adipose tissues, as well as in skeletal muscle. iNOS induction can be reproduced in vitro by treatment of cultured white or brown adipocytes or L6 myocytes with LPS and inflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha, IFNgamma). The physiological role of NO in adipose tissues and skeletal muscle is still obscure. Recent evidence suggests that NO may be implicated in the regulation of energy metabolism. Using both pharmacological and genetic models of iNOS invalidation, we have recently begun to uncover a role for NO in the modulation of glucose transport and lipoprotein hydrolysis. These studies support the emerging concept that NO may fulfill the dual role of modulating energy metabolism in both physiological and pathological conditions as well as contributing to local immune defense during inflammatory processes.

Adipose Tissue↗

Jumping translocation in acute leukemia of myelomonocytic lineage: a case report and review of the literature.

Jumping translocation (JT) is a very rare cytogenetic event, occurring especially in cancer. We describe a case of secondary acute monocytic leukemia (AML5b) with a JT involving the 3q13-3qter segment and leading to a partial trisomy 3. Each clone with JT was associated with trisomy 8 or tetrasomy 8. The literature of JT in AML cases is reviewed: only 13 cases of AML associated with JT have been previously described, seven of which are AML4/5 FAB subtype. Jumping translocation involvement in leukemogenesis is discussed. Leukemia (2000) 14, 119-122.

Adult↗