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Biomedical subjects

P Mintz

Publications and source records attributed to P Mintz.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Analysis of T-cell defects in the specific immune response against acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.

We previously showed that a specific antileukemia T-cytotoxic response is spontaneously elicited in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients and might contribute to host antileukemia defense, even though it is insufficient for tumor growth control. In this study, we report that multifactorial factors account for some of the acquired immune defects seen in ALL patients. In bone marrow of ALL patients, T cells do not express CD40L and CD25 markers, their apoptosis rate is increased, and a predominance of a CD4 cell subset expressing a Th2 phenotype is detected. A lack of expression of B7-1 molecules and other activation molecules is observed on all ALL blasts. These different parameters combined lead to in vivo dysfunction of T-cell proliferative and cytotoxic activity.

Apoptosis↗

Quality and clinical response to transfusion of prestorage white cell-reduced apheresis platelets prepared by use of an in-line white cell-reduction system.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the quality and clinical effectiveness of white cell (WBC)-reduced apheresis platelets collected by the use of a new technology, fluidized particle-bed separation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In phase 1, six suitable donors underwent two separate plateletpheresis procedures on one occasion, each separated by less than 10 minutes. In random order, a control unit was collected with the COBE Spectra and a test unit with the Spectra Leukocyte-Reduction System (LRS). The quality of apheresis platelet components was assessed by an in vitro test panel, and residual WBCs were counted by Nageotte chamber and flow cytometric methods. For the in vivo studies, the test and control units were randomly labeled with either 51Cr or 111In at the end of storage and transfused simultaneously to the donor. Samples were taken for calculation of platelet survival and recovery. In phase II, 109 thrombocytopenic patients were given platelets collected by use of the Spectra LRS. RESULTS: Test platelets had significantly fewer residual WBCs (median 7.6 x 10(4)) than control platelets (median 3.9 x 10(5)), with equivalent in vitro function values. Test and control platelets had similar recovery and survival. Transfused platelets collected by use of the LRS achieved a mean 1-hour corrected-count increment of 19.3. CONCLUSION: The LRS collects platelet components with significantly lower WBC contamination without adverse effects on the function or in vivo survival of the platelets.

Blood Platelets↗

Different use of T cell receptor transducing modules in two populations of gut intraepithelial lymphocytes are related to distinct pathways of T cell differentiation.

Most gut intraepithelial cells (IEL) of the mouse are T cells that bear CD8 molecules, present either as alpha-beta chain heterodimers (CD8 beta+) or as alpha chain homodimers (CD8 beta-). All CD8 beta+ IEL bear alpha/beta T cell receptors (TCR); CD8 beta- IEL bear either alpha/beta or gamma/delta TCR and are considered to be a thymus-independent (TI) population, probably arising locally from a small fraction of CD3- IEL containing the recombinant activating gene RAG proteins. Here we report that TI CD8 beta- IEL, whether bearing alpha/beta or gamma/delta TCR, contain, in normal mice, mRNAs for both zeta and Fc epsilon RI gamma chains. These chains are present in their CD3-TCR complexes as homo- or heterodimers. In contrast, only zeta chain mRNA and homodimers are found in gut CD8 alpha/beta+ IEL and in peripheral T lymphocytes. Intestinal CD3- precursor cells contain only gamma chain, and CD3- IL-2R+ thymocyte precursors only zeta chain mRNAs. Only very primitive thymocyte precursors contain detectable gamma chain mRNA, and it thus appears that Fc epsilon RI gamma chain use is switched off at a very early stage during thymocyte differentiation. Thus, T cell differentiation in the gut epithelium differs from that occurring in the thymus, from which CD8 beta+ IEL appear to derive. Use of different TCR transducing modules and CD8 accessory molecules between the TI and the thymus-derived T cell populations provides an explanation for their difference in reactivity to antigenic stimulations and thus in selection of repertoires.

Animals↗

[Intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian adenocarcinoma: pharmacokinetics of cisplatin].

Chemotherapy using cis dichlorodiamine platinum (CDDP) in doses of 30 and 60 mg/m2 was carried out in 6 patients who had adenocarcinoma of the ovary, that had not been treated before, 15 to 120 minutes before surgery was carried out. The results of doses of platin given on the blood levels are demonstrated. A slight and progressive increase in the plasma levels of CDDP with peaks between 0.6 and 1.95 of total platinum and 0.22 mcg/ml of free platin were found. The tissue levels in the region of the ovaries were found to be between 0.16 and 0.94 mcg/mg. There was a stepwise increase in the levels found in the pathological peritoneal cover of between 0.42 and 31.2 mcg/mg. This dropped as time went by; and then led to change in accordance with the intra-peritoneal concentrations. This study shows that it is possible when giving drugs intraperitoneally to avoid high plasma peaks and to obtain good levels of concentration of cisplatin in the peritoneum.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Von Recklinghausen's disease and pregnancy].

On the basis of six cases and a review of the literature, the authors identify the special features associated with the combination of von Recklinghausen's disease and pregnancy. Fertility is unaffected and pregnancy possible. Careful monitoring is required because of severe complications. In certain probably minor forms of the disease, the outcome of pregnancy is favourable with no complications.

Adult↗

[Captopril treatment of severe arterial hypertension in pregnancy].

The authors report three cases where captopril was used in pregnancy. This was shown to be more useful in cases of essential hypertension than in toxaemia. There was no bad side effect from the use of Captopril. It did not alter the fetal growth once the hypertension was well controlled. Using it together with other anti-hypertensives has to be thought out very carefully and it has to be used with great care. The state of the newborns at birth was satisfactory. Follow-up was without complications except for one case where was a persistent ductus. Whether captopril had any role to play in this is uncertain. Although these results are good, captopril should not be used as first choice treatment in hypertension.

Adult↗

[The cicatricial uterus and uterine dehiscence. Apropos of 20 cases].

The authors intend to study 20 cases of uterine dehiscence or pre-rupture of cicatricial uterus owing to a better maternal and fetal prognosis as opposed to complete ruptures. They define the risks factors, i.e. aspects susceptible to weaken the scar, in the past history and during the pregnancy in progress. Finally, the study of semiology permits to establish the conditions of an early diagnosis of dehiscence. These results lead to insist on prevention which is based on a thorough knowledge of the past history and the obstetrical findings, the cephalo-pelvic comparison and the quality of the uterine scar.

Adult↗

[Per-coelioscopic salpingectomy in extra-uterine pregnancy. A series of 25 cases].

25 cases of extra uterine pregnancy treated by salpingectomy via laparoscopy, representing 33 p. cent of all ectopic pregnancies reported between September 1985 and 1986. The authors describe the techniques, its advantages and its drawbacks. This technique represents an interesting alternative to classical laparotomy in the treatment of extra uterine pregnancy since it allows: a reduced surgical time and shortened hospital stay, a lesser risk of adhesions, an uneventful postoperative course, a good esthetic result.

Adult↗

Comparison of platelet glass bead retention techniques in patients with clinical bleeding disorders.

Platelet glass bead retention by the Salzman and infusion pump techniques were compared in 36 control individuals, 10 patients with von Willebrand's syndrome and four patients with thrombocytopathies. No significant differences between the results of the two assays were observed. Eleven percent or less of the control individuals had diminished platelet glass bead retention. The mean percentage platelet retention of the von Willebrand's group and the thrombocytopathy group was less than the mean platelet retention of the control group. However, at least 50 percent of the patients with von Willebrand's syndrome had normal platelet retention by both methods. In the thrombocytopathy group, glass bead retention was more consistently diminished. Although an inverse correlation existed between the duration of bleeding time and the platelet retention assays, consistently diminished platelet retention results were observed only when the bleeding time was 18 minutes or longer. It has been concluded by us that while the glass bead retention assays may be helpful in characterizing certain types of platelet disorders, they are not useful screening assays in the diagnosis of von Willebrand's syndrome.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗