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Biomedical subjects

H David

Publications and source records attributed to H David.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Psychosocial predictors of depressive symptomatology level in postpartum women.

This study explored a multifactorial model for the prediction of the intensity of depressive symptoms in postpartum women. Data were gathered from 213 pregnant women during the second trimester of pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. Participants were assessed according to a number of psychosocial variables. A path analysis indicated that four variables had a direct effect on postpartum depressive symptomatology level: lower occupational status, prenatal depression level, more distal stressors and a personal psychiatric history. Eight variables, which reflected past and present experiences, showed an indirect effect. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

cDNA sequence, genomic organization and differential expression of three Arabidopsis genes for germin/oxalate oxidase-like proteins.

Wheat germin is a protein expressed during germination which possesses an oxalate oxidase activity. Germin-type oxalate oxidases have been extensively studied in monocotyledons (wheat and barley) where they are thought to have important functions for development, stress response and defence against pathogens. In contrast, almost nothing is known about the germin-like proteins found in dicotyledons, gymnosperms and myxomycetes. In this work, cDNA clones for three genes (ATGER1, ATGER2 and ATGER3) encoding germin-like proteins, initially characterized as expressed sequence tags (ESTs), from Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA libraries were further characterized. In addition, we isolated and sequenced a Brassica napus cDNA which was strongly homologous to the cDNA for ATGER1. Sequence analysis and secondary structure predictions of the proteins encoded by these cDNAs showed that they possess all the characteristic features of members of the germin family and of the germin/seed globulins/sucrose binding protein superfamily. Sequence comparisons and mapping demonstrated the existence of at least two different gene families in the A. thaliana genome encoding a minimum of three genes for germins. These three genes have been mapped in three different location on the Arabidopsis genome. By northern blot hybridizations we found that these genes are differentially regulated. ATGER1 was expressed during germination, like wheat germin, but also in leaves whereas ATGER2 transcripts were exclusively found in developing embryos, like wheat pseudo-germin. ATGER3 mRNAs were found in leaves and flowers and their abundance was shown to vary during the circadian cycle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Perceptual defense and vigilance to perinatal stimuli.

The presentation times (milliseconds on a computer screen followed by a masking grid) required for the correct identification of tachistoscopically presented perinatal stimuli were compared for 30 pregnant women and 25 perimenopausal women. Analysis indicated a differential facilitation or inhibition of perception in logical relation to subjects' closeness to pregnancy or menopause: pregnant women are quicker to identify stimuli related to pregnancy or babies but slower to recognize pictures of a pregnant woman with her father or mother. This supports the validity of measurements based on the theory of perceptual defense or vigilance.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Chromosomal proteins HMG-14 and HMG-17 are synthesized throughout the S-phase in Burkitt's lymphoma.

Here we test whether the targeting of chromosomal proteins HMG-14 and HMG-17 to transcriptionally active regions is due to coincidence of the synthesis of these proteins with the replication and assembly of active chromatin. Cells from the Burkitt's lymphoma line CA46 were synchronized with mimosine. The mRNA levels and the protein synthesis rates of HMG-14/-17 were determined at various stages during the S phase. The expression pattern of HMG-14/-17 was essentially constant throughout this phase of the cell cycle. The half-life for HMG-14/-17 protein corresponded to the doubling time of the cells. These results indicate that HMG-14/-17 are synthesized throughout S-phase and persist through the cell cycle. Targeting of HMGs to active genes is not simply due to the timing of their synthesis during S phase.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1996

Immobilization of flax protoplasts in agarose and alginate beads. Correlation between ionically bound cell-wall proteins and morphogenetic response.

Linum usitatissimum protoplast-derived colonies that are cultured in auxin-supplemented medium and immobilized in Ca(2+)-alginate matrix form round colonies that develop into polarized, embryo-like structures. On the other hand, protoplast-derived colonies that are immobilized in agarose do not show an organized morphogenetic response, and unique, ionically bound cell-wall protein patterns match this response. Although only slight differences in neosynthesized or total constitutive polypeptides are observed, dramatic changes in ionically bound cell-wall proteins are seen. In protoplasts grown on Ca(2+)-alginate-solidified, auxin-containing medium, several basic polypeptides were strongly induced and were found tightly bound to the cell wall. In contrast, these basic proteins were found only weakly bound to the walls of protoplasts grown on agarose-solidified, auxin-containing medium or on Ca(2+)-alginate-solidified, auxin-free medium, in which they were released into the medium. Our results suggest that plant cells can perceive and respond to the adjacent extracellular matrix, since we show that the growth of flax cells on Ca(2+)-alginate in the presence of auxin-containing medium may promote the binding of specific proteins to the walls. This establishes a direct correlation of an embryo-like morphogenesis with ionically bound cell-wall basic proteins in flax protoplasts grown on Ca(2+)-alginate-solidified, auxin-containing medium.

Alginates↗
PubMed1996

Mental representations of pregnant nulliparous women having no sex preference.

The objective was to elicit the mental representations about the sex of the future child of 89 nulliparous pregnant women who declared having no sex preference, using the Kelly's Repertory Grid. Analyses showed that 67% of these women had no explicit and clear representation about the sex of their first child. These data suggest that these pregnant women seemed really to have no sex preference.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Peak follicular estradiol (E2) levels and midluteal progesterone/E2 ratios in ongoing pregnancies and nonconception cycles after ovulation induced with gonadotropins].

We assessed the predictive value of peak follicular estradiol (E2) levels and progesterone/E2 ratios at the time of implantation (midluteal phase) in cycles resulting in pregnancies and in nonconception cycles after ovulation induced by hMG. hMG, administered to 31 consecutive patients with ovulatory dysfunction, resulted in 13 conception and 27 nonconception cycles. It was started on day 5 of the cycle and continued until at least 1 follicle was > 18 mm and E2 levels exceeded 300 pg/ml, when HCG, 100,000 IU, was administered. Baseline hormonal profile, peak follicular E2, serum E2, progesterone levels 7 days after hCG administration, and progesterone/E2 ratios were compared between ongoing pregnancies and during nonconception cycles. There was a significant difference in peak follicular E2 levels between ongoing pregnancies and nonconception cycles (means +/- SD: 1453 +/- 580 to 1176 +/- 275, pg/ml, p < 0.05). The length of follicular phase and the number of hMG ampules administered were similar in both groups. There was no difference in midluteal progesterone/E2 ratios (131 +/- 16.9 vs 124 +/- 27.5). E2 levels the day of hCG administration were higher in cycles leading to pregnancies. We conclude that mean midluteal progesterone/E2 ratios cannot be used to predict the outcome of cycles after ovulation induction with hMG.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Perioperative vascular flushing perfusion in acute mesenteric artery occlusion.

AIM: To evaluate in animals and patients a perioperative vascular flushing perfusion with antioxidants in order to improve postischaemic condition of the bowel and hence, to prolong the warm ischaemia tolerance time. MATERIALS: 40 rats and 10 patients with acute mesenteric artery occlusion. METHODS: Intestinal ischaemia was induced in 40 rats by clipping the superior mesenteric artery for 1 h. Thirty animals received a vascular flushing perfusion with oxygen radical scavengers (ascorbate, tocopherol or oxypurinol). Histology, ATP, ADP levels were examined in tissue biopsies and malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase levels were measured in blood during ischaemia and 60 min after reperfusion. RESULTS: ATP restoration was particularly improved in the oxypurinol group (ATP/ADP-ratio = 2 vs. 1.2 in the control group). Malondialdehyde increase observed after reperfusion as a marker of radical induced lipid destruction was significantly attenuated (control group 160% of base level vs. 127% in the ascorbate group, 133% in the tocopherol group, 121% in the oxypurinol group). Histological alterations during ischaemia/reperfusion were markedly less extensive in the perfusion groups than in control. The patients treated perioperatively with arterial flushing perfusion had an overall mortality of 10%. CONCLUSION: Vascular flushing perfusion with oxygen radical scavengers prevents radical induced ischaemic damage and may prolong the warm ischaemic tolerance time of the intestine.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Three glycosylated polypeptides secreted by several embryogenic cell cultures of pine show highly specific serological affinity to antibodies directed against the wheat germin apoprotein monomer.

Embryogenic tissues of Pinus caribaea Morelet var hondurensis produce extracellular proteins; among them germins have been identified. Two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by electroblotting onto a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane allowed isolation and N-terminal amino acid sequencing of extracellular GP111, which is present within the five embryogenic cell lines studied. The amino acid sequence showed strong homologies with the sequences of germins deduced from cDNA sequencing, starting at the same amino acid position but one, compared with other sequences of mature germins deduced from protein sequencing. Immunoblots of embryogenic and nonembryogenic extracellular proteins indicated that the polypeptide GP111 plus two others with similar relative molecular mass values are present in embryogenic cell lines but not in nonembryogenic ones. They were recognized by an antiserum raised against the nonglycosylated monomer of wheat germin. The cross-reaction between pine and wheat apoproteins was highly specific. An antiserum against the glycosylated pentameric germin-like protein (an oxalate oxidase) of barley cross-reacted with all three, as well as with several other glycosylated polypeptides.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Ophthalmology in Luanda (Angola): a hospital based report.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: As part of a 4 year Spanish development aid programme, an ophthalmic hospital was set up in Luanda in 1991 for the in situ training of local ophthalmologists. Presented here are the data obtained from 4201 patients treated during the first 2 years of the project. METHODS: Patients were referred to the institute from the emergency ward at the Luanda General Hospital, selected mainly according to the severity of their disease. The following data were collected from the clinical reports: age, sex, diagnosis (single or multiple), type of treatment (medical or surgical), acuity of the best eye at the time of diagnosis, and main disease group. RESULTS: The main causes of blindness treated were: cataracts; glaucoma; optic nerve diseases (neuritis and atrophy); trauma; xerophthalmia; uveitis; hereditary retinal diseases (degenerative myopia, retinitis pigmentosa, albinism, and Stargardt's disease); retinal detachment; and diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Sanitary resources in Angola are generally inadequate, and ophthalmic care is no exception to this. Owing to the high percentage of preventable or treatable blinding diseases in this environment, a campaign of social education should always be held along with any medical programme, in order to optimise the available resources.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

[Circumscribed myositis ossificans: bone changes detected by MRI].

The authors report a case of ossificans myositis, in which MRI showed inflammatory changes of the adjacent bone. T1 weighted fat saturation sequence with gadolinium injection showed enhancement of medullary and cortical bone. This potentially mistaking pattern must be known, to avoid misdiagnosing with malignant osseous tumor, specially before achievement of the characteristic pattern of zonal maturation and its calcified rim.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Contribution of social variables to the prediction of postnatal depression].

Considering the frequent denial of the importance of social factors associated with non psychotic postnatal depression, the objective of this study is to check whether social variables contribute or not to the prediction of postnatal depression. 369 subjects, primiparous or secondiparous, were followed up from early pregnancy up to the sixth month after delivery. Analyses show the importance of the social variables measured at the beginning of the pregnancy, these constituting one third of all the significant variables.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Perceptual defense and vulnerability to postpartum depression.

The objective was to assess the relationship between vulnerability to postpartum depression and perceptual defense evoked by tachistoscopic stimuli alluding to perinatal themes in pregnant women. Tachistoscopic stimuli have been shown to produce different thresholds of conscious identification according to their emotional content: a phenomenon termed perceptual defense. A total of 412 women in their 3rd of 4th month of pregnancy were asked to identify 14 pictures and 18 verbal stimuli shown for initially very brief but increasing durations. Presentation times required for a correct identification were measured. Depression was assessed, at 2 and 6 months postdelivery, by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: 53 women were defined as depressed by a score > or = 15. Discriminant analysis showed that the women who would become depressed 7 to 11 months later were slower than the nondepressed to identify 5 stimuli alluding to pregnancy, sexuality or a father image. Particular attitudes towards the themes of being pregnant, of sexuality and of the father could be components of a psychological predisposition to the development of depressed mood in the postpartum.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Outcome of pregnancies associated with marked gestational thrombocytopenia.

The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the outcome of pregnancies associated with marked gestational thrombocytopenias (< 100,000/mm3) including postpartum resolution and neonatal influence. Over a period of 18 months, 20 cases of thrombocytopenia were observed; of them 19 were diagnosed as gestational thrombocytopenia with platelet values of < 100,000/mm3. Fifteen women returned to a normal platelet count within two weeks after delivery and four within four weeks. No cases of thrombocytopenia were found among the infants and no cases of coagulation disturbance were observed in the mothers at delivery or in the postpartum period. The findings of the present study indicate that in cases of gestational thrombocytopenia, apart from a careful maternal and fetal surveillance, no intervention is necessary during pregnancy or delivery if there is no obstetrical indication.

Adult↗