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Biomedical subjects

J P Babin

Publications and source records attributed to J P Babin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

[Derivational morphology and lexical access: prefixed and pseudo-prefixed verbs].

The subjects of this research is the role played by the morphological structure in the process of access to the lexicon. Although a lot of research has been conducted on this topic, experimental data on this role remains inconsistent. To appreciate the issue, the task of lexical decision is used with verbal material constituted by prefixed or pseudo-prefixed verbs as well as visually introduced pseudo-verbs. The nature of the radical (verb, noun or verb and noun) constitutes a specific factor yielding three types of prefixed structure (prefix-radical verb, prefix-radical noun, prefix-radical potentially noun or verb). Two types of pseudo-prefixed structures are studied in function of the nature of the pseudo-radical (existing or imaginary word). Subjects are submitted to two tests: a lexical decision test for the complete set of verbal material; a second test (to be taken subsequently) in which they are asked to check from a list the words they believe they have seen on the screen in the first test. Results indicate an effective morphological structure and that the processing of prefixed verbs is done according to the nature of the radical. Verbs with radicals that could be verbs and nouns are processed faster than those for which the radical is a verb. The second test also tends to indicate that the morphological structure is taken into account, and especially that the radical is activated at a certain point in the processing (certain radicals, if presented separately, are checked as being present in the first test where only the prefixed items containing them were present). Results obtained with pseudo-verbs show an important role played by the prefix in the identification of morphologically complex items. These results only match partially the Taft & Forster Model (1975). Illustrating the role played by the nature of the radical allows, to a certain degree, reconciling contradictory results in the literature. In fact, it is demonstrated that the different results from various experiences can be explained if this factor is taken into account. The number of prefixed items of each type (defined by the nature of the radical) can thus explain why certain studies reflect differences between morphologically simple and complex words and other discard them.

Humans↗
PubMed1993

[Transient intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome in premature infants].

BACKGROUND: A chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is sometimes seen in premature neonates who are fed early and subsequently suffer from digestive intolerance for several weeks. PATIENTS: Seven premature babies (mean gestational age: 30.5 weeks, mean birthweight: 950 g) suffered from abdominal distension and failure to pass stools at a mean age of 2.5 days (extremes: 1 to 6 days); 2 of them also had vomiting. X-ray examination showed dilated loops of bowel throughout the abdomen without obstructive changes; barium or Gastrografin studies demonstrated inertia of the colon without obstructive changes or abrupt changes in caliber. Histological examination of enteric nerve cells in 2 cases showed normal maturation. Parenteral nutrition was necessary in all patients for 30 to 78 days (mean: 47), followed by continuous enteral feeding for 24 to 48 days (mean: 37). Septicemia complicated parenteral nutrition in 4 babies and was responsible for the death of 1 of them. Normal evacuation of stools occurred between day 27 and day 91 (mean day 46) allowing normal enteral feeding. All 6 patients, now aged 2.5 to 8 years (mean 3.5 years) are in good health, and have no digestive problems. CONCLUSIONS: Immaturity of intestinal motility may occur in some premature neonates suffering from intestinal ileus. Parenteral nutrition may be necessary for several weeks, but spontaneous recovery is usual. This transient intestinal pseudo-obstruction of premature babies is different from the classical chronic pseudo-obstruction for which surgery is often needed.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1988

[Hypereosinophilia in premature newborn infants].

Eosinophilia is a common finding in premature babies during the neonatal period (75%). It has a variable correlation with several factors that may influence it: gestational age, birth weight, time required to regain birthweight, neonatal stress, caesarean birth, formula feeding, endotracheal intubation, positive pressure ventilation, parenteral nutrition, umbilical catheterization, blood transfusions, antibiotics, phototherapy, sex, neutropenia and sepsis. The possible mechanisms are discussed: resolution of a stress, anabolic state, reaction to antigens, normal granulopoietic maturation, transplacental transfer of a factor stimulating the eosinophil synthesis.

Eosinophilia↗
PubMed1985

[Possible embryofetopathy caused by beta-blocker (sotalol) taken throughout the pregnancy].

The authors envisage the hypothesis of an embryofetal intoxication by a beta-blocker (B-), sotalol, taken by the mother, not hypertensive, during all her pregnancy (160 mg/day). The fullterm newborn, hypotrophic and hypothermic, is suffering from facial dysmorphy with microcephaly, and present a severe tracheal stenosis associated with cardiopathy and important rhythm disorders: bradycardia and permanent bigeminate ventricular extrasystoles for three days. Course is fatal at five months old. On the occasion of this probable intoxication, a brief recall about pharmacology and physiopathology of transplacental passage of B- during pregnancy is done. Then, are enumerated the experimental repercussion of B blockers and their more often theoretical than real undesirable effects, on the fetus. Sotalol is possibly a B-specially aggressive, when it is prescribed abusively, on account of its excellent diffusibility and of its high tissular impregnation.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1977

[Early diagnosis of respiratory distress in premature infants. Application of the Clements test to the gastric fluid].

The stomach of the newborn infant contains swallowed amniotic fluid. The gastric fluid of 66 newborn infants was placed in contact with alcohol, following the technique reported by Clements in relation to amniotic fluid. The stability of the bubbles formed after mixing correspond to the presence of surfactant. In the case of respiratory distress in a premature infant, a positive test is in favour of transient respiratory distress. Intermediate or negative results are seen essentially in the presence of idiopathic respiratory distress. Application of the Clements test to gastric fluid collected immediately after birth is an excellent mean of diagnostic orientation in the presence of early respiratory problems in a premature infant. When negative, the child should be transferred to a specialised centre in order that intermittent positive pressure therapy may be started, the effectiveness of the latter being related to how soon it is begun.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1977

[Islet cell adenoma with neonatal onset. Clinical, hormonological and ultrastructural study of a case].

A case of hyperinsulinism occuring in a newborn, with a birthweight of 4,050 g, is reported. The hypoglycaemia was refractory to the usual therapy (increase of glucose administration per os, and I.V., corticosteroids, glucagon, diazoxide). At surgery, undertaken at 9 days of age, an adenomatous nodule was removed along with the left part of the pancreas. Death occurred at 18 days, after the child had developed a transitory acidoketosic diabetes and an encephalopathy. Measurement of insulin by radio-immunoassay revealed a strong increase in the ratio insulin/glycaemia, characteristic of nesidioblastoma, as well as a high concentration of insulin in the tumor as compared to normal tissue. On the ultrastructural level, the observed features differed from those seen in children and adults and showed an abnormal overload of dense deposits in the cytoplasm of some histiocytes.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1977

[Adrenal cysts in the newborn. Apropos of 2 cases].

Cysts of the adrenal gland are very rare in the neonatal period and are always diagnosed either at surgery or at autopsy. Two patients are reported. One is an infant born at term in whom a mass in the left loin was discovered on the 3rd day of life. At surgery a suprarenal tumour was discovered and a polycystic adrenal was removed: recovery was uneventful. Histology showed a cystic haemangioma in the adrenocortical tissue. The diagnosis made was that of a cystic haemangioma. The other patient is an infant born at 38 weeks gestation who became jaundiced and developed a haemolytic streptococcal septicaemia. A mass was found in the right lumbar region on the 3rd day. The calcified egg-shell appearance, renal arteriography and an intravenous pyelogram demonstrated the cystic appearance of the adrenal. The cystic mass and the adrenal gland were removed and the patient recovered. Histological examination suggested that a pseudocyst had arisen secondary to a haemorrhagic infarct caused by a septic embolus. Adrenal cysts are classified as true cysts and pseudocysts (which must be distinguished from unilateral haematomas). The histological appearances are reviewed. These patients may be added to the 11 neonatal case reports in the literature (9 haemorrhagic pseudocysts, only 2 true cysts). To our knowledge cystic haemangioma has not previously been reported.

Adrenal Gland Diseases↗
PubMed1976

[Alpha-1 antitrypsin and idiopathic respiratory distress of the newborn infant. Study in serum and lungs].

Serum level of alpha-1-antitrypsin is significantly reduced in newborns with idiopathic respiratory distress when compared to matched controls. This decrease was predominantly due to the group of infants who died from I.R.D., provided that alpha-1-antitrypsin determination was carried out on the first day of life. Alpha-1-antitrypsin was demonstrable by indirect immunofluorescence in hyaline membranes whereas fluorescence was negative in the alveolae of infants who had no hyaline membranes.

Gestational Age↗