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Biomedical subjects

G Peres

Publications and source records attributed to G Peres.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

TRACE-derived Temperature and Emission Measure Profiles along Long-lived Coronal Loops: The Role of Filamentation.

In a recent Letter, Lenz et al. have shown evidence of uniform temperature along steady long coronal loops observed by TRACE in two different passbands (171 and 195 Å filters). We propose that such a piece of evidence can be explained by the subarcsecond structuring of the loops across the magnetic field lines. In this perspective, we present a model of a bundle of six thin parallel hydrostatic filaments with temperature stratification dictated by detailed energy balance and with temperatures at their apex ranging between 0.8 and 5 MK. If analyzed as a single loop, the bundle would appear isothermal along most of its length.

Journal Article↗

Vitamin D-dependent seasonal variation of PTH in growing male adolescents.

Twenty-eight young male adolescents (age from 13 years 6 months to 15 years 9 months) from a horseback-riding school were studied. They were studied at the end of summer (September of 1993) and, six months later, at the end of winter (March of 1994). At each timepoint their height and weight were measured and their pubertal status determined. Blood was collected and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], intact parathyroid hormone (PTH1-84), and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] were measured. After winter, weight and height had increased by a mean of 2.9 +/- 1.3 kg and of 3.3 +/- 1.2 cm, respectively. 25(OH)D concentrations which were 29.96 +/- 7.46 micrograms/L in September had significantly (p = 0.0001) fallen by a mean of 23.31 +/- 6.6 micrograms/L in March (6.61 +/- 2.04 micrograms/L). March and September concentrations of 25(OH)D were significantly correlated (r = 0.536, p = 0.0039). March values were negatively correlated with the pubertal status (r = 0.41; p = 0.03). In the meantime, PTH had significantly (p = 0.0001) increased by a mean of 8.59 +/- 8.53 ng/L (22.8 +/- 7.44 ng/L in September vs. 30.33 +/- 8.05 ng/L in March). A statistically significant correlation between PTH and 25(OH)D concentrations (r = 0.493; p = 0.0001) was obtained. Serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations measured in September (37.7 +/- 12.94 ng/L) and in March (38.2 +/- 7.8 ng/L) were not different. March values were positively correlated with pubertal status (r = 0.49; p = 0.008). Modulation of PTH secretion by vitamin D appears to be a physiological mechanism occurring during adolescence. In spite of a marked depletion of vitamin D stores after winter, PTH values remained within normal range. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude that a more prolonged vitamin D deficiency could adversely affect bone metabolism during this critical period of life characterized by an increased need of vitamin D.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2↗

Glutamate-arginine salts and hormonal responses to exercise.

Hormonal changes during exercise is of growing interest because of their role in adaptation, and performance. The production of amino acids (AA) due to the degradation of muscle protein increases during exercise and some AA may be utilized for energy expenditure or as hormonal secretagogues. Thus, one can propose a strategy to reduce muscle protein breakdown and regulate hormones involved in energy metabolism by dietary AA supplementation. We assessed the effects of glutamate-arginine salt (AGs) ingestion on exercise-induced hormonal alterations in highly trained cyclists (age 18-22 yrs). Using an indwelling catheter, we collected multiple blood samples at rest, during warm up, during and after an intense exercise session. Plasma growth hormone (hGH), insulin and cortisol were measured by radioimmunoassay. As reported in previous studies, we observed a marked increase in plasma hGH and cortisol levels during and after exercise in the placebo (Pl) condition as well as a slight decrease in insulin concentration. In addition, we found that the ingestion of AGs had significant effects on some dynamic hormonal changes. AGs had no effect on resting plasma levels of hGH, insulin or cortisol. However, the marked elevation in cortisol and hGH during and after exercise in the placebo condition, was greatly diminished when subjects ingested AGs. Our results show that AGs can modify exercise-induced hormonal changes and raise the possibility that it may be used to alter energy metabolism during endurance exercise.

Adolescent↗

Changes in the characteristics of anaerobic exercise in the upper limb during puberty in boys.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the characteristics of anaerobic exercise in the upper limb and important indicators of growth and developmental age such as height (h), body mass (mb), skeletal age (SA), plasma testosterone (T) and pubertal stage (PS). We used the force-velocity (F-v) relationship test in a population of 66 healthy adolescent male junior jockeys, with considerable variation in these indicators but of the same physical fitness level (training effect). The mean values of the maximal anaerobic power (Wan,max) were 391 (SD 93) W. The values of the variables in the F-v relationship for the upper limb were only slightly or uncorrelated with the chronological age, but highly correlated with h, mb and SA (P < 0.001). The correlation with T was less significant. Using ANOVA a highly significant effect of PS on the variables in the F-v relationship was found (P < 0.001). The absolute or relative (normalized to mb) increase in Wan,max during puberty was greater from PS P2 and P3 than at other stages. Therefore PS would appear to be a significant factor for developmental changes in anaerobic characteristics during puberty in the adolescent. The PS P3 determined only by public hair might be an easy and accurate indicator for sports category classification of adolescents during puberty.

Adolescent↗

Computerized analysis of food records: role of coding and food composition database.

Reported dietary intake records of 30 subjects (26 men and 4 women) were analysed by three different centres using their own computerized nutrient database systems. The agreement between systems was evaluated by different statistical criteria (the correlation coefficient, the mean difference and the proportion of individuals placed in the same thirds of distribution). Significant differences between the three systems were found in the calculation of alcohol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, cholesterol, magnesium, sodium and water. To ascertain the extent of mean differences that could be attributed to the coding process or to the database used, coding forms of each centre were forwarded to the other two centres. Analysis of variance showed that differences in the data obtained by the three systems were mainly due to the food composition database used.

Analysis of Variance↗

Glycine transport by intestinal brush border vesicles of the amphibian Discoglossus pictus.

1. In order to determine the different components of glycine uptake by the intestine of the frog, Discoglossus pictus, we have used brush border membrane vesicles isolated by a classical precipitation technique. 2. Enzymatic tests showed that a good purification was obtained. The concentration ratio of alkaline phosphatase was 14.8. 3. Glycine entry in vesicles as a function of time, in presence or absence of sodium, indicated an overshoot which decreased when incubation time was prolonged. The overshoot was dependent on the presence of sodium. 4. The nature of the anion associated to sodium had little effect on glycine uptake. Nevertheless, chloride and thiocyanate appeared more efficient than glutarate. 5. The effect of transmembrane potential was studied by using valinomycin associated with a potassium gradient. The addition of this substance stimulated glycine transport by 43%. 6. The transport at different glycine concentrations showed two components: one non-saturable with weak affinity and the other saturable with strong affinity (Kt = 0.338 mM). 7. In conclusion, glycine transport by the brush border of D. pictus intestine presents a saturable component depending on sodium and on transmembrane electrical potential.

Amino Acids↗

[Exercise echocardiography and study of the left ventricle in sportsmen during exertion].

The use of an original ultrasonic transducer holder has made possible the recording of M mode and 2D echocardiography during exercise. Left ventricular function was studied during upright bicycle exercise in two groups: 10 trained athletes (Group A) and 10 normal subjects (Group B). All were 20 years of age. Satisfactory echocardiograms were obtained up to a mean heart rate of 180/mn which corresponded to an average work load of 180 W in Group B and 300 W in Group A. The cardiac output was comparable in the two groups up to a 180 W load, but in Group A a lower HR was compensated by a larger stroke volume (SV). The increase in SV in Group A was related to a greater LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) during exercise, whereas the ejection fraction increased less than in the control group. During very strenuous exercise (Group A only) further increases in cardiac output were related mainly to an increased heart rate and to a lesser degree to increased LVEDD and ejection fraction.

Adult↗

In vivo muscular force analysis during the isometric flexion on a monkey's elbow.

An experimental method has been developed to analyse muscular forces and torques in vivo during isometric flexion of the elbow in small monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). A mini-transducer was built with a view to measure forces in situ, without cutting tendons. The positions of tendon insertions were measured on anatomical parts, then integrated in a series of calculations aiming of deducing the lever arms of forces to be included in a torque equilibrium relationship. Muscle activity of the three main flexors was measured for five angles of isometric flexion between 70 degrees and 110 degrees, 0 degrees corresponding to the full extended forearm. The analysed signals were selected using physiological and biomechanical criteria. Then, results corresponding to force participation, and torque participations, were worked out; they are presented and discussed in the present paper.

Animals↗

Force-velocity relationship and maximal power on a cycle ergometer. Correlation with the height of a vertical jump.

The force-velocity relationship on a Monark ergometer and the vertical jump height have been studied in 152 subjects practicing different athletic activities (sprint and endurance running, cycling on track and/or road, soccer, rugby, tennis and hockey) at an average or an elite level. There was an approximately linear relationship between braking force and peak velocity for velocities between 100 and 200 rev.min-1. The highest indices of force P0, velocity V0 and maximal anaerobic power (Wmax) were observed in the power athletes. There was a significant relationship between vertical jump height and Wmax related to body mass.

Adolescent↗

Phenobarbital induction of cytochrome P-450 in normal and preneoplastic rat liver: comparison of enzyme and mRNA expression as detected by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

The expression levels of the major phenobarbital-inducible cytochromes P-450 were analyzed immunohistochemically in liver sections obtained from rats treated sequentially with diethylnitrosamine and phenobarbital. In parallel sections expression of the corresponding messenger RNAs was investigated by in situ hybridization using an appropriate 35S-labeled cDNA probe. A phenobarbital-mediated increase in enzyme protein and a concomitant enhancement of the corresponding mRNA was seen in hepatocytes of the centrilobular areas of the liver acinus. A comparable increase in P-450 protein and mRNA expression was detected in large carcinogen-induced nodules present in animals maintained on phenobarbital until killing. This result was confirmed by Northern analysis of nodular RNA. No such induction was seen in liver nodules obtained from animals which were withdrawn from the phenobarbital-containing diet 10 days prior to killing. These findings demonstrate that phenobarbital induction of cytochrome P-450 enzymes occurs in neoplastic liver tissue as it does in normal liver and, in addition, suggest that the increase in the levels of the major phenobarbital-inducible P-450s in normal and neoplastic liver is mediated by an enhancement of the steady-state concentrations of their mRNAs.

Animals↗

Expression of albumin messenger RNA detected by in situ hybridization in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions in rat liver.

The process of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis is characterized by the appearance of preneoplastic lesions showing changes in the expression of various marker enzymes. We have analyzed the phenotype of small preneoplastic foci and expansively growing nodules in liver sections obtained from rats treated with various carcinogens. Changes within the lesions in canalicular adenosine triphosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, NADPH-(cytochrome P-450) reductase, cytochrome P-450 PB2, epoxide hydrolase, and glycogen content were detected by means of enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical staining procedures. In parallel sections the expression of albumin messenger RNA was investigated by in situ hybridization using a 35S-labeled albumin specific complementary DNA probe. In general, small preneoplastic lesions showed unchanged levels of albumin messenger RNA. In contrast, the expression of albumin messenger RNA was found to be reduced to varying degrees in large hepatic nodules. An expression of alpha-fetoprotein messenger RNA could not be detected in any of the nodules. No direct correlation between the enzyme phenotype of the lesions and the degree in reduction of albumin messenger RNA could be established except that the reduction was most pronounced in nodules which had lost their ability to store glycogen. Since the synthesis and excretion of albumin is a typical function of the differentiated hepatocyte in the adult animal, the observed decrease in albumin messenger RNA expression in large hepatic nodules is in accordance with the hypothesis of a gradual dedifferentiation or retrodifferentiation of the cell population during carcinogenesis. Hyperplastic nodules produced by continuous treatment of rats with 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene showed increased rather than decreased albumin levels. The analysis of albumin messenger RNA expression might therefore be used as a tool to discriminate between nodules of differing biological nature and fate.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

On the role of superoxide anion radicals in skin tumour promotion.

The effect of phorbol ester tumour promoters on the release of superoxide anion radicals .O2- by human peripheral leukocytes and the role of such radicals in tumour promotion of mouse skin was studied. No significant difference was found between complete [12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)] as compared with incomplete [12-O-retinoylphorbol-13-acetate (RPA), 12-O-(2Z,4E,6,8)tetradecatetraenoylphorbol-13-acetate (Ti8), mezerein] tumour promoters upon induction of .O2- when measured by the reduction of ferricytochrome c. The semisynthetic phorbol esters 12-O-ethacrynylphorbol-13-acetate (EPA) and 4-O-methyl-TPA were less active, and phorbol diacetate, phorbol and ionophore A 23187 were found to be inactive in stimulating superoxide anion radicals. TPA-induced .O2- release from leukocytes was strongly inhibited by Cu(II)-(diisopropylsalicylate)2 (CuDIPS), and, to a lesser extent, by ethacrynic acid, nordihydroguaiaretic acid and quercetin. Retinoic acid exhibited only a moderate inhibitory effect. No .O2- release was observed in epidermal cell cultures upon TPA treatment. When analysed by the alkaline elution technique, TPA-induced .O2- release from leukocytes did not lead to measurable DNA damage in co-cultivated keratinocytes even in the presence of DNA repair inhibitors. In multi-stage-tumourigenesis experiments including two-stage promotion, retinoic acid, ethacrynic acid and CuDIPS were unable to inhibit tumour promotion in mouse skin when applied in combination with TPA in first stage promotion. gamma-Irradiation at a dose level shown to cause DNA damage in vitro could not replace TPA as a stage I-promoting agent. It is concluded that superoxide anion radicals--if related to promotion at all--may play a role in stage II rather than in stage I of mouse skin tumour promotion.

Animals↗

The perchlorosoluble proteins of the serum of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii Richardson): albumin like and hemoglobin binding fraction.

1. The main perchlorosoluble fraction of rainbow trout serum has some physico-chemical characters kindred to those of human serum albumin (low molecular weight, solubility with ammonium sulfate, electrophoretic mobility, no glycoproteinic staining). 2. However, on account of obvious differences (heterogeneity and existence of various phenotypes, lack of bromophenol blue or bilirubin binding, low concentration, solubility in perchloric acid), the term "para-albumin" seems more suitable to name this compound. 3. The perchlorosoluble fraction binds hemoglobin causing an increase of peroxidasic activity. But, unlike to human haptoglobin, hemoglobin binding is partial, reversible and labile.

Animals↗