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Biomedical subjects

G Blanch

Publications and source records attributed to G Blanch.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Stability and DNA alkylation rates of the simplest functional analogues of CC-1065, para-hydroxy and para-amino phenethyl bromides.

We have recently synthesised a series of compounds based on the simplest functional unit of CC-1065 containing a para substituted phenethyl halide moiety. These compounds alkylate N3 of adenines in a similar fashion to CC-1065, as well as N7 of guanines to a limited extent. In this work we compared the para amino substituted derivative (2) with the published hydroxyl compound (1) in terms of stability, DNA reactivity and pH dependence using gel electrophoresis techniques. The results show that 2 has a shorter lifetime and is at least 2.5 times more reactive with DNA than 1. It is completely hydrolysed between 30 and 60 min in buffer and its reaction with DNA is complete within 5 min. In contrast, only a fraction of 1 is hydrolysed after 60 min and retains reactivity towards DNA even after 3 h. The reactivities of both 1 and 2 with DNA are pH dependent and reaction rates rapidly decrease in the range pH 5.8-8.8. Preliminary molecular modelling studies suggest that the p-amino group on 2 enables the drug to bind to the AT-rich minor groove more effectively, thus stabilising the orientation of the substrate in the groove such that the reactive cyclopropyl ring is located close to the nucleophilic centre N3 of adenine. A possible mechanism of action of these drugs is presented based on these findings.

Adenine↗
PubMed1998

Dysfunctional labour: a randomised trial.

Sixty-one women making slow progress in the active phase of spontaneous labour with intact membranes were randomised to oxytocin and amniotomy, amniotomy only or expectant management. The data show that oxytocin significantly increases the rate of cervical dilatation and shortens prolonged labour, when compared with amniotomy alone and expectant management (P = 0.0144 and 0.0006, respectively). The impact on the operative delivery rate and neonatal outcome is difficult to assess due to the small number of relevant adverse outcomes. Women reported higher satisfaction score in the two groups where intervention followed the diagnosis of dysfunctional labour.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Antenatal and neonatal renal vein thrombosis: new ultrasonic features with high frequency transducers.

The ultrasonic appearances of two infants with renal vein thrombosis (RVT) are described. One infant presented in the neonatal period and one antenatally. Consistent with previous reports, one or both kidneys were enlarged, with a generalised increase in echogenicity and vascular or perivascular streaking compatible with interlobular and arcuate vessel occlusion. Using high frequency transducers (7. 0-10 MHz), we identified new features during the course of the disease. The apex of the renal papilla became hypo-echoic and there was a ring of reduced echogenicity around the affected pyramids 1-2 weeks after the acute phase. These features correlate with the known pathophysiological course of RVT, but have not been previously described using ultrasound. The features are illustrated and the mechanism is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The presence of fetal fibronectin in the cervicovaginal secretions of women at term--its role in the assessment of women before labor induction and in the investigation of the physiologic mechanisms of labor.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether the presence of fetal fibronectin in cervicovaginal secretions of patients undergoing induction of labor reflected the cervical state and ultimately the ease of induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study of 103 patients undergoing induction of labor at term was conducted at Liverpool Maternity Hospital, a large university teaching hospital. We studied the women after 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. A Dacron (Adeza Biomedical, Sunnyvale, Calif.) polyester swab specimen was first taken from the endocervix for assessment of the presence of the fetal fibronectin. The cervix was then assessed by digital vaginal examination and scored with a modified Bishop's score. The fetal fibronectin swab was processed at the bedside with a membrane immunoassay kit specific for fetal fibronectin. A score was ascribed depending on the strength of the fibronectin reaction determined by the intensity of the color change on the plate, the presence of fetal fibronectin resulting in a score of 1 to 4. The patient was subsequently managed according to the standard induction protocol of the unit. The clinicians involved in the patient's care were blind to the result of the fetal fibronectin swab. RESULTS: There was a good correlation between the modified Bishop's score and the fetal fibronectin score (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). To predict a latent phase of < 8 hours, a fetal fibronectin score of 3 or 4 has a sensitivity of 73% with a specificity of 83% and a modified Bishop score of > or = 4 has a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 73%. For delivery within 12 hours of induction of labor a fetal fibronectin score of > or = 3 has a sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 83% compared with the modified Bishop score of > or = 4, which has a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 72.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The fetal fibronectin score is as good as the modified Bishop score as an index of the ease with which induction of labor may be performed. This would imply that it also reflects the proximity of the onset of labor. The presence of fetal fibronectin cervicovaginal secretions is therefore a marker of the changes in the cervix and membranes that precede labor regardless of the gestational age.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Transverse study on sex behavior associated with HIV transmission among homosexual men in Catalonia].

In 1993, a cross sectional study was carried out on the sexual behaviour of a sample of homosexual men recruited in saunas, sex shops and a gay community-beased organisation of Catalonia. A total of 551 men with an average age of 34 years and a high educational level sent in an anonymous questionnaire. In the previous 6 months the mean number of male sexual partners was 6 and for penetrative partners 3. In the previous month, 94% had had oral sex (22% with ejaculation) and 76% anal intercourse (38% without a condom and 21% with ejaculation). During sex, 51% used alcohol, 34% nitrite inhalants, 20% hashish and 10% cocaine, 61% had had the HIV test, with a self-reported HIV prevalence of 21%. 86% stated that they knew of one or more people infected by HIV or with AIDS. The high percentage of men who had unprotected anal intercourse and the high self-reported HIV prevalence highlights the need to increase efforts in AIDS prevention and research in this group. Monitoring HIV associated sexual behaviours provides valuable indicators of the evolution of the epidemic, useful for designing and evaluating preventive interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Internalization of pleuroamniotic shunt causing neonatal demise.

Internalization of a pleuroamniotic shunt previously has not been associated with significant fetal or neonatal problems. We report a case in whom the shunt internalized and compressed the lung hilum. A review of the complications of antenatal pleuroamniotic shunting is also presented.

Adult↗