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Biomedical subjects

M Jamali

Publications and source records attributed to M Jamali.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Precocious mediastinal lipomatosis: a rare complication of systemic corticosteroid therapy].

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid-induced lipomatosis results from hypertrophy within adipose tissue; the condition is frequently asymptomatic and its incidence is underestimated. We report a case of mediastinal lipomatosis that is rare in terms of both site and presenting symptoms. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old woman with no disease history other than obesity with a weight of 90 kg had been treated since 2002 for mixed connective tissue disease (profound lupus and dermatomyositis). She had been treated with oral corti costeroids (1 mg/kg/d). Two months after the start of treatment, she presented chest pains, resting dyspnea particularly aggravated in dorsal decubitus, chest edema in the subclavicular space and jugular turgescence. Chest x-ray revealed widening of all levels of the mediastinum. The chest CT scan showed lipomatosis throughout the entire mediastinum with no associated chest abnormalities or pericardial effusion. Rapid downward dosage adjustment ofcorticosteroids to 10 mg/d coupled with synthetic antimalarials resulted in gradual reduction of symptoms. The chest scan performed two months later short stabilization of the patient's mediastinal lipomatosis. DISCUSSION: The effects of long-term of glucocorticosteroid therapy are well-known, in particular Cushing's syndrome. Lipomatosis has been described more recently and affects different axial regions. Mediastinal localization is seen in 15% of patients treated. This presentation is less common than orbital and epidural localizations. Although often asymptomatic, as in our own report, it may present with worrying symptoms that pose real diagnostic problems. The diagnostic examinations of choice are CT scan or MRI. Regression following discontinuation or reduction of corticosteroids is inconsistent and often gradual.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

[Preoperative concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy for operable bulky carcinomas of uterine cervix stages IB2, IIA, and IIB with proximal parametrial invasion].

PURPOSE: To evaluate preliminary results in terms of toxicity, local tumour control, and survival after preoperative concomitant chemoradiation for operable bulky cervical carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 1991 and October 2001, 42 patients (pts) with bulky cervical carcinomas stage IB2 (11 pts), IIA (15 pts), and IIB (16 pts) with 1/3 proximal parametrial invasion. Median age was 45 years (range: 24-75 years) and clinical median cervical tumour size was 5 cm (range: 4.1-8 cm). A clinical pelvic lymph node involvement has been observed in 10 pts. All patients underwent preoperative external beam pelvic radiation therapy (EBPRT) and concomitant chemotherapy during the first and the fourth radiation weeks combining 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin. The pelvic dose was 40.50 Gy over 4.5 weeks. EBPRT was followed by low-dose-rate uterovaginal brachytherapy with a total dose of 20 Gy in 17 pts. After a rest period of 5-6 weeks, all pts underwent class II modified radical hysterectomy with bilateral lymphadenectomy. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in eight pts without pathologic para-aortic lymph node involvement. Twenty-one of 25 pts who had not received preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy underwent postoperative low-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy of 20 Gy. The median follow-up was 31 months (range: 3-123 months). RESULTS: Pathologic residual tumour or lymph node involvement was observed in 23 pts. Among the 22 pts with pathologic residual cervical tumour (<0.5 cm: nine pts; >or=0.5 to 1 cm: 10 pts), seven underwent preoperative EBRT followed by uterovaginal brachytherapy vs. 15 treated with preoperative EBRT alone (P = 0.23). Four pts had pathologic lymph node involvement, three pts had vaginal residual tumour, and four pts had pathologic parametrial invasion. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85% and 74%, respectively. The 2- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 80% and 71%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, the pathologic residual cervical tumour size was the single independent factor decreasing the probability of DFS (P = 0.0054). The 5-year local control rate and metastatic failure rate were 90% and 83.5%, respectively. Haematological effects were moderate. However, six pts had grade 3 acute intestinal toxicity. Four severe late complications requiring surgical intervention were observed (one small bowel complication, three ureteral complications). CONCLUSION: Primary concomitant chemoradiation followed surgery for bulky operable stage I-II cervical carcinomas can be employed with acceptable toxicity. However, systematic preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy should increase local tumour control.

Adult↗

[Operable stage IB and II cancer of the uterine neck: retrospective comparison between preoperative utero-vaginal curietherapy and initial surgery followed by radiotherapy].

PURPOSE: To identify prognostic factors and treatment toxicity in a series of operable stages IB and II cervical carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 1972 and January 1994, 414 patients (pts) with cervical carcinoma staged according to the 1995 FIGO staging system underwent radical hysterectomy with (n = 380) or without (n = 34) bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Lateral ovarian transposition to preserve ovarian function was performed on 12 pts. The methods of radiation therapy (RT) were not randomised and depended on the usual practices of the surgical teams. Group I: 168 pts received postoperative RT (64 pts received vaginal brachytherapy alone [mean total dose (MD): 50 Gy], 93 pts had external beam pelvis RT (EBPRT) [MD: 45 Gy over 5 weeks] followed by vaginal brachytherapy [MD: 20 Gy], and 11 pts had EBPRT alone [MD: 50 Gy over 6 weeks]. Group II: 246 pts received preoperative utero-vaginal brachytherapy [MD: 65 Gy], and 32 of theses 246 pts also received postoperative EBPRT [MD: 45 Gy over 5 weeks] delivered to the parametric and the pelvic lymph nodes with a midline pelvic shield. The mean follow-up was 106 months. RESULTS: The 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 80%. From 75 recurrences, 35 were isolated locoregional. Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors decreasing the probability of DFS were: both exo and endocervical tumour site (p = 0.047), lymph-vascular space invasion (p = 0.041), age < or = 51 yr (p = 0.013), 1995 FIGO staging system (stage IB1 vs stage IIA, p = 0.004, stage IB1 vs stage IB2, p = 0.0009, and stage IB1 vs stage IIB with 1/3 proximal parametrical infiltration, p = 0.00002), and histological pelvic involved lymph nodes (p = 0.00009). Methods of adjuvant RT did not influence the probability of DFS (group I vs group II, p = 0.10). The postoperative complication rate was 10.2% in group I and 8.9% in group II (p = 0.7) but the postoperative urethral complication rate necessitating surgical intervention with reimplantation was lower in group I than in group II (0.6% vs 2.3%, respectively, p = 0.03). The 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications according to the LENT-SOMA scoring system was 10.4%. EPRT significantly increased the 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications (yes vs no: 22% vs 7%, respectively, p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: In our series, the methods of adjuvant RT (primary surgery vs preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy) do not seem to influence the prognosis of the stage IB, IIA, and IIB (with 1/3 proximal parametrical involvement only) cervical carcinomas. The postoperative EPRT applied according to histopathological risk factors after surgical treatment increases the risk of late radiation complications.

Adult↗

BMP signaling regulates Nkx2-5 activity during cardiomyogenesis.

Nkx2-5 regulates the transcription of muscle-specific genes during cardiomyogenesis. Nkx2-5 expression can induce cardiomyogenesis in aggregated P19 cells but not in monolayer cultures. In order to investigate the mechanism by which cellular aggregation regulates Nkx2-5 function, we examined the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). We showed that the expression of the BMP inhibitor, noggin, was sufficient to inhibit the induction of cardiomyogenesis by Nkx2-5 during cellular aggregation. Furthermore, soluble BMP4 could activate Nkx2-5 function in monolayer cultures, resulting in the formation of cardiomyocytes. Therefore, BMP signaling is necessary and sufficient for the regulation of Nkx2-5 activity during cardiomyogenesis in P19 cells.

Animals↗

Nkx2-5 activity is essential for cardiomyogenesis.

The homeobox transcription factor tinman is essential for heart vessel formation in Drosophila. In contrast, mice lacking the murine homologue Nkx2-5 are defective in cardiac looping but not in cardiac myocyte development. The lack of an essential role for Nkx2-5 in cardiomyogenesis in mammalian systems is most likely the result of genetic redundancy with family members. In this study, we used a dominant negative mutant of Nkx2-5, created by fusing the repressor domain of engrailed 2 to the Nkx2-5 homeodomain, termed Nkx/EnR. Expression of Nkx/EnR inhibited Me(2)SO-induced cardiomyogenesis in P19 cells but not skeletal myogenesis. Nkx/EnR inhibited expression of cardiomyoblast markers, such as GATA-4 and MEF2C, but not of mesoderm markers, such as Brachyury T and Wnt5b, or of skeletal lineage markers, such as MyoD and Mox1. To identify the minimal region of Nkx2-5 that can trigger cardiomyogenesis, we analyzed the activity of various Nkx2-5 deletion mutants. The C-terminal domain was not necessary for the ability of Nkx2-5 to induce cardiomyogenesis and loss of this domain did not enhance myogenesis. Therefore, Nkx2-5 function is essential for commitment of mesoderm into the cardiac muscle lineage, and the N-terminal region, together with the homeodomain, is sufficient for cardiomyogenesis in P19 cells.

Actins↗

[Endometrial adenocarcinoma treated with combined radiotherapy and surgery: 437 cases].

PURPOSE: To identify prognostic factors and treatment toxicity in a series of operable endometrial adenocarcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 1971 and October 1992, 437 patients (pts) with endometrial carcinoma, staged according to the 1988 FIGO staging system, underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy without (n = 140) or with (n = 297) pelvic lymph node dissection. The chronology of RT was not randomized and depended on the usual practices of the surgical teams. Group I: 79 pts received preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy (mean total dose [MD]: 57 Gy). Group II: 358 pts received postoperative RT (196 pts received vaginal brachytherapy alone [MD: 50 Gy], 158 pts had external beam pelvis RT [EPRT] [MD: 46 Gy over 5 weeks] followed by vaginal brachytherapy [MD: 17 Gy], and 4 pts had EPRT alone [MD: 46 Gy over 5 weeks]). The mean follow-up was 128 months. RESULTS: The 10-year disease-free survival rate was 86%. From 57 recurrences, 12 were isolated locoregionally. Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors decreasing the probability of disease-free survival were: histologic type (clear cell carcinoma, p = 0.038), largest histologic tumor diameter > 3 cm (p = 0.015), histologic grade (p = 0.008), myometrial invasion > 1/2 (p = 0.0055), and 1988 FIGO staging system (p = 9.10(-8)). In group II, the addition of EPRT did not seem to improve locoregional control. The postoperative complication rate was 7%. The independent factors increasing the risk of postoperative complications were FIGO stage (p = 0.02) and pelvic lymph node dissection (p = 0.011). The 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications according to the LENT-SOMA scoring system was 3.1%. EPRT independently increased the 10-year rate for grade 3 and 4 late radiation complications (R.R.: 5.6, p = 0.0096). CONCLUSION: EPRT increases the risk of late radiation complications. After surgical and histopathologic staging with pelvic lymph node dissection, in a subgroup of intermediate risk patients (stage IA grade 3, IB-C and II), postoperative vaginal brachytherapy alone is probably sufficient to obtain a good therapeutic index. Results for patients with stage III tumor are not satisfactory.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of long-term treatment with caffeine on the ultrastructure of the golden hamster parathyroid gland and tibia.

The ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland and the SEM appearances of the tibia were studied in hamsters with and without administration of caffeine. Caffeine was treated orally each day at either 2.5 mg (low dose) or 10 mg (high dose) per 100 g body weight for a period of 17 or 32 days. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences among all groups examined regarding the serum calcium level. Transmission electron microscopy of the parathyroid gland revealed that the volume densities occupied by the mitochondria, Golgi complexes and rough endoplasmic reticulum of caffeine-treated groups were found significantly higher when compared with controls. The number of secretory granules observed close to the cell membrane per total amount of these granules revealed significant increase in all caffeine-treated animals. The bone mineral content (BMC) values were closely related to body weight. In the high dose caffeine-treated hamsters increment of the mean BMC and body weight values was significantly lower than those of the controls after 32 days. In the scanning electron microscopic studies of the tibia, no alteration in the morphometric parameters was demonstrated. It is considered that the synthesis and release of parathyroid hormone is stimulated following caffeine consumption. Our data suggest that although chronic administration of caffeine in the hamster may slightly increase bone turnover as evidenced by the BMC decrease, bone morphometry was not altered. Thus the osteoporotic changes were not proved in this study.

Animals↗

Acute effects of caffeine administration on the ultrastructure of the golden hamster parathyroid gland.

This study was conducted to evaluate the acute effects of caffeine on the ultrastructure of the parathyroid glands in golden hamsters. Caffeine was given orally at either 2.5 mg (low dose) or 10 mg (high dose) per 100 g body weight. Caffeine caused a dose dependent decrease of the serum calcium level 2 hours after administration. Transmission electron microscopy of the parathyroid gland revealed that the volume densities occupied by the Golgi complexes and rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) were found significantly higher 2 hours after receiving high dose of caffeine. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences regarding to the bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD). It is considered that the synthesis of parathyroid hormone is stimulated following caffeine administration.

Animals↗

Distinct human NUMB isoforms regulate differentiation vs. proliferation in the neuronal lineage.

Neuronal cell fate decisions are directed in Drosophila by NUMB, a signaling adapter protein with two protein-protein interaction domains: a phosphotyrosine-binding domain and a proline-rich region (PRR) that functions as an SH3-binding domain. Here we show that there are at least four human NUMB isoforms and that these serve two distinct developmental functions in the neuronal lineage: differentiation (but not proliferation) is promoted by human NUMB protein isoforms with a type I (short) PRR. In contrast, proliferation (but not differentiation) is directed by isoforms that have a type II (long) PRR. The two types of PRR may promote distinct intracellular signaling pathways downstream of the NOTCH receptor during mammalian neurogenesis.

Alternative Splicing↗

SEM study on the dorsal lingual surface of the flying squirrel, Petaurista leucogenys.

The dorsal lingual surface of the flying squirrel was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Filiform (FI), fungiform (FU), foliate (FO) and vallate papillae (VA) were observed. The FI were distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. In the region of the VA, the FI appeared as giant cones. The FU were present as rounded bodies scattered over the dorsal surface of the tongue. They were relatively scarce and appear to be concentrated around the edges of the tongue. The FO were observed on the posterolateral regions of the tongue. The flying squirrel showed the triangular arrangement of the three VA, with the apex of the triangle directed posteriorly.

Animals↗

Effects of long-term treatment with ethanol on the ultrastructure of the golden hamster parathyroid gland.

The ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland in golden hamsters after long-term treatment with ethanol was studied. Male hamsters of experimental groups were given ethanol at the concentration of 7% for 3 and 5 months with food and water freely available. In the ethanol-treated hamsters, the Golgi complexes associated with many prosecretory granules were well developed and many secretory granules were located near the plasma membrane as compared with those of the control animals. Exocytotic events were observed in 5-month-treated animals. These findings suggest that the secretory activity of the parathyroid gland is stimulated after long-term treatment with ethanol.

Animals↗

A four-year follow-up study on subjective symptoms and functional capacities in workers using hand-held grinders.

Fifty-three grinders in the metal industry were re-examined 4 years after their first examination. Information about age, occupation, daily vibration exposure, drinking and smoking habits, and presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration-induced white finger (VWF), and numbness and pain in the fingers was collected during the first and second examination. Cold provocation test (10 degrees C/10 min) was also employed to evaluate disturbances in the peripheral circulatory and peripheral nerves in all subjects. The frequency-weighted vibration acceleration of various types of hand-held tools was measured. There was no subject with VWF at the first examination; however, during the course of follow-up, two cases (3.8%) of VWF with latent interval of more than 25 years were diagnosed. Prevalence of numbness in the fingers and shoulder stiffness was significantly higher at the second examination. When the prevalence of subjective symptoms was tested by the subjects' total operating time (TOT) during the 4-year follow-up period, those whose TOT was equal to or more than 2500 hours showed higher prevalence compared to the other subgroup. The paired values of recovery rate of finger skin temperature and vibration sensation threshold after the cold water immersion test were significantly different at the first and second examination. On average, the diminution of hand-grip force during the 4-year follow-up course was 7.4%; the difference being significant at 0.01 level. Significant differences in the paired data of pinching power and tapping ability could be detected. The frequency-weighted vibration acceleration of various tools was in the range of 1.1-4.6 m/s2. It was concluded that: (1) prolonged occupational exposure to the vibration of hand-held grinding tools should be considered as a risk factor causing disturbances in the hand-arm system of the operators; (2) the results of recovery rate of finger skin temperature and the vibration sensation threshold seemed to be appropriate indicators for the assessment of peripheral vascular and peripheral nerve disturbances in workers exposed to hand-arm vibration; and (3) to reduce the subjects' physical stress, attention should be paid to ergonomic factors.

Adult↗

SEM study on the dorsal lingual surface of Microtus montebelli.

The dorsal lingual surface of Microtus montebelli was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The filiform papillae were distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. The filiform papillae notably differed in morphology by their location on the tongue and could be classified into 4 types: 1) simple conical papillae, 2) true filiform papillae, 3) giant conical papillae, and 4) saw-like papillae. The fugiform papillae were present rounded bodies scattered over the anterior dorsal surface of the tongue. A vallate papilla was located at the middle end of the lingual body. The surface of the radix zone was smooth and without lingual papillae.

Animals↗

Recurrence of hemolytic-uremic syndrome in renal transplant recipients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) in the allograft is associated with a very poor renal prognosis. Meta-analysis of previous trials may allow us to better estimate its real frequency, to identify risk factors for recurrence, and to predict the outcome of patients with definite recurrence. METHODS: An exhaustive search was conducted of HUS recurrence in renal transplantation from January 1977 to June 1997 using MEDLINE. RESULTS: Ten studies comprising 159 grafts in 127 patients were identified. The rate of recurrence was 27.8%. One-year graft survival was 76.6% in patients without recurrence and 33.3% in patients with recurrence (P<0.001). Older age at onset of HUS (16.96+/-7.6 years vs. 9.95+/-6.55 years; P<0.02), shorter mean interval between HUS and transplantation (2.51+/-2.7 years vs. 6.03+/-6.4 years; P<0.01), shorter mean interval between HUS and end-stage renal disease (0.79+/-0.39 years vs. 2.78+/-2.47 years; P<0.01), living-related donors, and the use of calcineurin inhibitors were associated with recurrence. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for HUS recurrence in renal transplantation could be identified through this meta-analysis.

Age Distribution↗

Manifestations and mechanisms of radiation-induced genomic instability in V-79 Chinese hamster cells.

PURPOSE: The relationship between different forms of persistent radiation damage in irradiated cells was investigated in order to identify a common underlying mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: V-79 Chinese hamster cells were irradiated with different doses of X-rays, neutrons and alpha-particles. In the progeny of surviving cells, up to 4 weeks after irradiation, delayed reproductive death, delayed micronuclei, delayed appearance of dicentric chromosomes and delayed apoptosis were investigated in parallel. RESULTS: A similar dose-response relationship was found for all endpoints, with a steep rise at low doses to a plateau at doses > 3 Gy. The target for inducing genomic instability by alpha-particles is larger than the nucleus. All chromosomes are equally involved in delayed breakage reunion events. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that non-lethal radiation damage to an extranuclear target leads to a persistent increase in clastogenic activity in the surviving irradiated cells.

Alpha Particles↗

Ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland of the young golden hamster after short-term treatment with ethanol.

We studied the ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland of young golden hamsters after short-term treatment with ethanol (1.5 g/kg bw or 6.0 g/kg bw). We did not find any ultrastructural changes of the parathyroid gland after administration of 1.5 g/kg ethanol. In the hamsters, 3 hours after administration of 6.0 g/kg ethanol, the mean serum calcium concentration was significantly low as compared to that of the control animals. In the parathyroid gland 1 hour after administration of 6.0 g/kg ethanol, the Golgi complexes associated with a few prosecretory granules and the volume density occupied by the Golgi complexes decreased compared with that of the control animals. In the parathyroid glands 3 hours after administration of 6.0 g/kg ethanol, the Golgi complexes decreased as compared with those of the control animals, while the large vacuolar bodies increased. These findings suggest that the cellular activity of the parathyroid gland is suppressed after short-term treatment with ethanol. Intracellular lumen was found in the parathyroid chief cells 3 hours after administration of 6.0 g/kg ethanol, and the significance of this structure is discussed.

Animals↗