European Commission funding of research.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
European Union↗
Biomedical subjects
J Martin
Publications and source records attributed to J Martin.
Lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Creatine monohydrate increases strength in patients with neuromuscular disease.
Creatine monohydrate has been shown to increase strength in studies of young healthy subjects and in a few studies with patients. Creatine monohydrate (10 g daily for 5 days to 5 g daily for 5 days) was administered to patients with neuromuscular disease in a pilot study (Study 1; n = 81), followed by a single-blinded study (Study 2; n = 21). Body weight, handgrip, dorsiflexion, and knee extensor strength were measured before and after treatment. Creatine administration increased all measured indices in both studies. Short-term creatine monohydrate increased high-intensity strength significantly in patients with neuromuscular disease.
Adult↗
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) gene polymorphism and parasitic diseases.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Humans↗
Identification of multiple Gypsy LTR-retrotransposon lineages in vertebrate genomes.
Gypsy LTR-retrotransposons have been identified in the genomes of many organisms, but only a small number of vertebrate examples have been reported to date. Here we show that members of this family are likely to be widespread in many vertebrate classes with the possible exceptions of mammals and birds. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that although there are several distinct lineages of vertebrate gypsy LTR-retrotransposons, the majority clusters into one monophyletic clade. Groups of fungal, plant, and insect elements were also observed, suggesting horizontal transfer between phyla may be infrequent. However, in contrast to this, there was little evidence to support sister relationships between elements derived from vertebrate and insect hosts. In fact, the majority of the vertebrate elements appeared to be most closely related to a group of gypsy LTR-retrotransposons present within fungi. This implies either that at least one horizontal transmission between these two phyla has occurred previously or that a gypsy LTR-retrotransposon lineage has been lost from insect taxa.
Animals↗
The impact of intraoperative autologous blood transfusion during type III radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects on transfusion rates, perioperative complications, and survival of using intraoperative autologous blood transfusions for patients undergoing type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 156 patients treated with type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy at the University of Miami School of Medicine from 1990 to 1997. One group of patients (n = 50) had intraoperative autologous blood transfusions and the other (n = 106) did not. RESULTS: The group that received intraoperative autologous blood transfusion had a significant reduction in homologous blood transfusions (12% vs 30%; P =.02). Patient demographic data, histologic parameters, and operative factors were similar between the 2 groups. There was a higher percentage of patients with positive pelvic lymph nodes in the group that did not receive intraoperative autologous blood transfusion (10% vs 30%; P =.02). Seven patients in the intraoperative autologous blood transfusion group (14%) died with disease present and all the recurrences in this group were local. CONCLUSION: The use of intraoperative autologous blood transfusions during type III radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy appears to be safe and effective without compromising rates and patterns of recurrence.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Transmyocardial laser revascularization: experimental studies in healthy porcine myocardium.
BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have demonstrated a significant reduction of cardiac index shortly after transmyocardial laser revascularization in patients with low ejection fraction. We analyzed the influence of transmyocardial laser revascularization on healthy myocardium in pigs. METHODS: Carbon dioxide channels were created in 20 pigs which were observed for 6 hours. Ten pigs received one laser channel and ten pigs two laser channels per cm2 in the left anterior descending artery region. Seven pigs served as controls. Perfusion (microspheres), function, histochemical, and histologic assessments were subsequently performed. RESULTS: A significant deterioration of left ventricular stroke work index was observed shortly after transmyocardial laser revascularization in both laser groups (p < 0.05). After 6 hours the left ventricular stroke work index did not increase and showed significantly reduced values at rest (p < 0.05) and during stress in the laser groups (p < 0.01). Normal regional perfusion, small ischemic and necrotic areas, open laser channels in the left anterior descending artery region and significantly increased myocardial water content were observed in the laser groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide laser channels significantly decrease global heart function shortly after transmyocardial laser revascularization in healthy porcine myocardium. This myocardial tissue showed no recovery 6 hours postoperatively.
Animals↗
Analysis of quality of life before and after heart transplantation.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, inhibits the late airway response to antigen, airway eosinophilia, and IL-5-expressing cells in Brown Norway rats.
BACKGROUND: Asthma is characterized by airflow obstruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the synthesis of mediators, such as T(H2) cytokines and leukotrienes, in the airways. Cysteinyl leukotriene (cysLT) receptor antagonists have recently been associated with clinical improvement of asthma and reduced airway inflammation. Whether the beneficial effects of cysLT antagonists are mediated through the modulation of cytokine expression has not been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the presence of eosinophils and IL-5 messenger (m)RNA(+) cells within the lungs of antigen-challenged Brown Norway rats after treatment with the cysLT(1) receptor antagonist montelukast (MK). METHODS: Ovalbumin-sensitized Brown Norway rats were treated with either MK or saline before ovalbumin challenge. Pulmonary mechanics were monitored for 8 hours. Subsequently, immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to examine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue for cells expressing major basic protein (eosinophils) and IL-5 mRNA, respectively. Simultaneous in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry was used to phenotype the cells expressing mRNA encoding IL-5. RESULTS: Animals treated with MK had significantly lower lung resistance and fewer eosinophils and IL-5 mRNA(+) cells within BAL fluid and lung tissue compared with that found in saline-treated animals. Colocalizaton studies revealed that the majority of IL-5 mRNA(+) cells were T cells and that the number of IL-5 mRNA(+)/CD3(+) or IL-5 mRNA(+)/major basic protein(+) cells were significantly less within BAL from animals treated with MK than from those treated with saline. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the cysLT(1) receptor antagonist MK can diminish the pulmonary response to antigen, tissue eosinophilia, and the number of cells expressing IL-5 mRNA, suggesting that leukotrienes may also regulate the allergic response through the modulation of inflammation and cytokine synthesis.
Acetates↗
Potential acuity pinhole: a simple method to measure potential visual acuity in patients with cataracts, comparison to potential acuity meter.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the potential acuity pinhole (PAP) test and compare its accuracy to the potential acuity meter (PAM) in predicting visual outcome after cataract surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 56 preoperative patients with cataracts participated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy of predicting postoperative distance visual acuity was measured. METHODS: Lines of inaccuracy were calculated by subtracting actual postoperative best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) from predicted values. Variables analyzed were method of prediction, preoperative BCVA, and preoperative spherical equivalent. RESULTS: The PAP test predicted visual outcomes within 2 lines in 100%, 100%, and 56% of eyes with preoperative BCVA of 20/50 and better (group 1), 20/60 to 20/100 (group II), and 20/200 and worse (group III), respectively. The PAM predictions within 2 lines for the same groups were 42%, 47%, and 0%, respectively. Mean lines of inaccuracy of PAP predictions were 0.83, 1.11, and 3.50 lines for groups I, II, and III, respectively. Mean lines of inaccuracy for PAM predictions were 2.50, 2.68, and 6.22 lines for the same groups. Differences in lines of prediction between PAM and PAP were 1.67 (P = 0.004), 1.58 (P = 0.0002), and 2.72 lines (P = 0.0001) for groups I, II, and III, respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between PAP predictions and preoperative myopic spherical equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: The PAP test is a simple, inexpensive, and relatively reliable method to estimate visual outcome after uncomplicated cataract surgery in eyes with no coexisting disease. It is less accurate in patients with preoperative BCVA worse than 20/200. It appears to be more predictive than PAM.
Adult↗
[Hyperreactive malarial splenomegaly in a European returning from Africa].
INTRODUCTION: Hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly (HMS) syndrome related to abnormal immunologic response to repeated malarial infections is unusual in European expatriates. EXEGESIS: We report the case of a 72-year-old white male patient who had been residing in the Congo and developed a typical clinical features of hyperactive malarial syndrome characterized by massive splenomegaly with hypersplenism, high titers of malarial IgM antibodies, IgM macroglobulinemia, liver and medullary lymphocytic proliferation, and a clinical and immunological response to long-term chloroquine therapy. CONCLUSION: Criteria for the diagnosis of hyper-reactive malarial splenomegaly are useful. However, making a distinction from malignant lymphoproliferative disorders is difficult, as a sustained response to chloroquine is required. Therefore, chloroquine appears to have a regulatory effect on the immune system.
Aged↗
Cellular distribution of iron in the brain of the Belgrade rat.
In this study, we investigated the cellular distribution of iron in the brain of Belgrade rats. These rats have a mutation in Divalent Metal Transporter 1, which has been implicated in iron transport from endosomes. The Belgrade rats have iron-positive pyramidal neurons, but these are fewer in number and less intensely stained than in controls. In the white matter, iron is normally present in patches of intensely iron-stained oligodendrocytes and myelin, but there is dramatically less iron staining in the Belgrade rat. Those oligodendrocytes that stained for iron did so strongly and were associated with blood vessels. Astrocytic iron staining was seen in the cerebral cortex for both normal rats and Belgrade rats, but the iron-stained astrocytes were less numerous in the mutants. Iron staining in tanycytes, modified astrocytes coursing from the third ventricle to the hypothalamus, was not affected in the Belgrade rat, but was affected by diet. The results of this study indicate that Divalent Metal Transporter 1 is important to iron transport in the brain. Iron is essential in the brain for basic metabolic processes such as heme formation, neurotransmitter production and ATP synthesis. Excess brain iron is associated with a number of common neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, elucidating the mechanisms of brain iron delivery is critical for understanding the role of iron in pathological conditions.
Amino Acid Substitution↗
Acute abdomen due to spontaneous torsion of an accessory spleen.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Abdomen, Acute↗
Making residential treatment available to methadone clients.
This article addresses challenges to integrating clients on methadone into residential treatment, with the goal of promoting greater access for this population. It describes the basic administrative conditions needed for success, and discusses barriers and problems within the methadone program and the residential program. Staff communication, procedures for coordination, client and staff attitudes and understanding, and ongoing education are seen as the key to creating an environment conducive to success for the client.
Adult↗
Analysis of the new indirect revascularization method by determining objective parameters of clinical chemistry, histo-chemistry and histology.
OBJECTIVE: This experimental study was initiated to determine whether transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) after acute myocardial ischemia may improve clinical chemistry and diminish the amount of necrosis. In addition, the influence of TMLR on healthy myocardium was analyzed. METHODS: The prolonged short-term effectiveness of TMLR was evaluated in 44 open-chest anesthetized pigs with (n = 21) or without (n = 23) the setting of acute myocardial ischemia (observation period 6 h): seven pigs served as controls (thoracotomy only). An additional seven pigs had left anterior descending artery (LAD) occlusion only (ischemia group). A subsequent 14 pigs were treated by TMLR (CO2) prior to LAD occlusion: Seven pigs received one laser channel/cm2 (group 1) and in seven pigs two channels/cm2 in the LAD territory (group 2) were performed. In addition, 16 pigs underwent TMLR without ischemia: Eight pigs received one channel/cm2 (group 3) and eight pigs two channels/cm2 (group 4). Clinical chemistry, histo-chemical assessment and histology were performed. RESULTS: TMLR limits the expansion of the myocardial infarction zone: laser group 2 indicated a significant smaller area of necrosis in the area at risk (ischemic group (31%) vs. laser group 1 (19%), P = ns; laser group 2 (7%) vs. ischemic group, P < 0.01; laser group 1 vs. 2, P < 0.01). The amount of the area of necrosis and ischemia of laser groups 3 and 4 compared with control did not differ significantly (P = ns). Preventive creation of microchannels before ischemia did not diminish ischemic parameters (P = ns). The myocardial water content-measurements (MWC) in the ischemia, laser 1 and 2 groups did not show any difference at the end of the experiment, except higher values of laser group 2 (P < 0.05). Laser groups 3 and 4 revealed significantly higher MWC values compared with control (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This prolonged acute study demonstrates that CO2-TMLR significantly reduces the amount of necrosis in the area at risk, but does not reduce cardiac ischemic markers. In healthy myocardium, TMLR significantly increases myocardial water content and ischemic parameters and induces small ischemic and very small necrotic areas surrounding open laser channels. Generally, the elevated cardiac enzymes and proteins are mainly attributed to the expected rise caused by vaporization of myocardial tissue in all laser groups.
Analysis of Variance↗
Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in follow-up after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.
PURPOSE: To investigate the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the detection of endoleak after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent follow-up on 20 occasions after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair by arterial-phase contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography (CT). All patients had unenhanced color Doppler ultrasound and Levovist-enhanced ultrasound on the same day. The ultrasound examinations were reported in a manner that was blind to the CT results. CT was regarded as the gold standard for the purposes of the study. RESULTS: There were three endoleaks shown by CT. Unenhanced ultrasound detected only one endoleak (sensitivity, 33%). Levovist-enhanced ultrasound detected all three endoleaks (sensitivity, 100%). Levovist-enhanced ultrasound indicated an additional six endoleaks that were not confirmed by CT (specificity, 67%; positive predictive value, 33%). In one of these six cases, the aneurysm increased in size, which indicates a likelihood of endoleak. Two of the remaining false-positive results occurred in patients known to have a distal implantation leak at completion angiography. CONCLUSION: In this small group of patients, contrast-enhanced ultrasound appears to be a reliable screening test for endoleak. The false-positive results with enhanced ultrasound may be due to the failure of CT to detect slow flow collateral pathways. Although the number of patients in this study is small, enhanced ultrasound may be more reliable than CT in detecting endoleak.
Aged↗
Successful orthotopic pig heart transplantation from non-heart-beating donors.
BACKGROUND: With the aim to expand the severely limited donor pool by use of non-heart-beating donors we developed a technique for successful transplantation of hearts after 30 minutes of normothermic ischemia without donor pretreatment. METHODS: In control groups hearts were transplanted in a conventional fashion using crystalloid cardioplegia (Group I, n = 6) or BCP (Group II, n = 8) for induction of cardiac arrest. In the ischemic groups hearts were harvested after 30 minutes of normothermic ischemia, perfused with blood cardioplegia (BCP) (Group III, n = 9) or BCP containing the Na(+)-H(+)-exchange inhibitor HOE 642 (Group IV, n = 8) and transplanted orthotopically. RESULTS: All animals could be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. Low dose inotropic support was necessary in the ischemic groups only. Recovery of the maximal left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWImax) in Groups I vs II was 62.6+/-19.6% vs 73.3+/-23.3% (NS), maximal right ventricular stroke work index (RVSWImax) averaged 61.1+/-18.8 vs 87.8+/-31.7% (NS) as compared to the preoperative level. In the ischemic groups (III vs IV) LVSWImax was 27.3+/-11.7 vs 59.5+/-32.4% (p = 0.038), RVSWImax was 27.4+/-20.9 vs 64.2+/-46.6% (NS). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that (a) successful pig heart transplantation after 30 minutes of normothermic ischemia is possible without donor pretreatment, and (b) that HOE 642 improves posttransplant LVSWImax significantly.
Animals↗
Addisonian crisis in a liver transplant patient due to fluconazole withdrawal.
Fluconazole is an antifungal agent commonly used in liver transplant patients. In addition to its antifungal activity, it is a potent inhibitor of the liver cytochrome P450 enzymes. These enzymes degrade a wide range of metabolically active compounds including glucocorticoids. In this report, we identify an episode of Addisonian crisis that occurred in a liver transplant patient receiving prednisone immunosuppression after fluconazole was discontinued. We postulate the mechanism for the crisis was a reversal of the fluconazole-induced suppression of the P450 enzymes. The resulting increased activity altered the patient's glucocorticoid metabolism leading to an Addisonian crisis.
Addison Disease↗