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Biomedical subjects

M Hermans

Publications and source records attributed to M Hermans.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Poly[d(C-A)].poly[d(G-T)] is highly transcribed in the testes of Drosophila hydei.

Microdissection of the lampbrush loops "threads" and "pseudonucleolus" of Y chromosomes from primary spermatocytes of Drosophila hydei and subsequent microcloning of the DNA yielded several recombinant DNA clones which cross-hybridized in screening the different clone banks. By DNA sequencing we found that the inserts of these cross-hybridizing clones contain blocks of poly[d(C-A].poly[d(G-T)]. Testis RNA contains a large fraction of transcripts with this simple repeated nucleotide sequence. With the aid of transcript in situ hybridization we discovered that the "cones" and "pseudonucleolus" lampbrush loops are the primary sites of transcription of poly[d(C-A)].poly[d(G-T)] in spermatocytes. In addition, we found a strand-specific transcription of (CA/GT)n. In both the "cones" and "pseudonucleolus" the (CA)n strand is transcribed, while in the "pseudonucleolus" (GT)n is also transcribed. Labelled (CA)n probes also react with the protein bodies in spermatid nuclei. These observations are discussed in the context of possible functions of (CA/GT)n transcripts in spermatogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Analysis of ward staff initiatives towards mentally retarded residents: clues for intervention.

Traditionally, efforts to improve the quality of residential care for the mentally retarded are focused on modifying particular ward staff behaviours. Several studies suggest, however, that ward staff behaviours are, at least partly, controlled by certain resident behaviours. This study investigated the relationship between resident behaviour and resident directed initiatives by ward staff. Recording occurred on four living groups with 39 residents during 32 weeks on the average for each group. Pearson product-moment correlations revealed that residents' level of ambulation, waking state, looking behaviours, adaptive-, maladaptive- and stereotype behaviours were related to the amount and quality of resident directed initiatives. The results suggest that modifying certain resident behaviours might offer a fruitful strategy for improving residential care for mentally retarded individuals.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1985

Nutrient insulin secretagogues decrease 45Ca2+ efflux from islet cells by a mechanism other than the inhibition of the Na+-Ca2+ countertransport.

The mechanism whereby nutrient insulin secretagogues decrease 45Ca2+ efflux from islet cells is controversial. It was studied with mouse islets perifused with Ca2+-free solutions. In the presence of Na+, glucose and ketoisocaproate inhibited 45Ca2+ efflux by about 50%. Substitution of choline+ salts for Na+ salts decreased the efflux rate by 45%, but did not prevent glucose from decreasing it further. Ketoisocaproate also inhibited 45Ca2+ efflux, but less markedly than in an Na+ medium. Omission of Na+ decreased the efflux rate even when it was already lowered by glucose or ketoisocaproate. It is thus clear that nutrient insulin secretagogues decrease 45Ca2+ efflux from islet cells by a mechanism other than the inhibition of the Na+-Ca2+ countertransport, possibly by increasing sequestration of the ion in cellular organelles.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Microalbuminuria in a population of 653 patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes].

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients with or without high blood pressure levels. 653 patients were involved in the study [type 1: n = 413 (normotensive: n = 298; hypertensive: n = 115); type 2: n = 240 (normotensive: n = 93; hypertensive: n = 147)]. In type 1 diabetic patients, the prevalence of microalbuminuria was of 21 per cent. Microalbuminuria was also found in 28 per cent of type 2 diabetic subjects (p less than 0.10 vs type 1). The prevalence of microalbuminuria was significantly higher in hypertensive than in normotensive diabetic subjects (28 vs 20 per cent; p less than 0.05). Blood pressure in type 1 and 2 normotensive patients was significantly higher in subjects with than without microalbuminuria. We also observed higher HbA1 levels in microalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients. Finally, we also assessed that the prevalence of diabetic chronic complications was higher in type 1 patients with than without microalbuminuria (p less than 0.05). This relationship was not evidenced in type 2 diabetic patients. In conclusion, the prevalence of microalbuminuria in a population of type 1 and 2 diabetic patients is high. We confirm in this study the relationship between microalbuminuria, blood pressure, and HbA1.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Actinomycosis of the ano-rectum: a rare infectious disease mimicking carcinomatosis.

Abdominal actinomycosis is an infectious disease caused by Actinomyces israeli, a usual germ of the gastro intestinal tract. It gives unusual tumoral lesions with abcesses and fistulas. More rarely is abdominal actinomycosis at the end of the abdominal tube. Cope in 1949 said: "Actinomycosis occurs so seldom in the colon and the rectum that no surgeon, even if he be a proctologist is likely in a life time to see more than a few cases" (4). An anorectal actinomycosis case that looked like rectal cancer is reported. It was treated successfully by surgery and antibiotherapy. Some anatomopathologic and mainly histologic characteristics lead to the diagnosis. General and pathological aspects, symptoms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy of anorectal actinomycosis are discussed.

Actinomycosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Hamartoma of the breast].

Two cases of hamartoma of the breast are presented. The clinical findings of this benign, rare lesion are not specific. It is characterized radiologically by its typical features of a clear or heterogeneous well defined picture with radiolucent zones on mammography. Echography provides no specific picture. Histologically, the tumor is composed of normal or dysplastic mammary tissue. Surgical treatment is mandatory, an enucleation can usually be performed.

Adult↗