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Biomedical subjects

S Saad

Publications and source records attributed to S Saad.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Effect of long-acting progestagen-only injectable contraceptives on carbohydrate metabolism and its hormonal profile.

Two groups, each composed of 20 women, who used depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or norethisterone enanthate (NET-EN) injectable contraceptives were investigated for changes in 75-g OGTT and in the fasting and two-hour post oral glucose load (2-hours) levels of serum insulin, growth hormone, glucagon, cortisol and blood pyruvate. Samples were taken before and 3, 6 and 12 months after use of injectables. DMPA and NET-EN caused significant changes in mean blood glucose and pyruvate and in mean serum insulin, growth hormone and glucagon, but not in mean fasting cortisol. Changes with NET-EN started after 3 months, became maximal after 6 months and reverted to normal after 12 months of use, due to more frequent administration during the first 6 months of use (every 60 +/- 5 days) and to more spacing of the injections (every 84 +/- 5 days) after that. Changes with DMPA started after 3 months, and increased with the duration of use to become maximal after 12 months. Maximal changes were similar with DMPA and NET-EN and consisted of: a significant increase in fasting blood glucose and pyruvate and serum insulin; a significant increase in 2-hour blood glucose and pyruvate, serum insulin, growth hormone and glucagon. Although significant changes in blood glucose levels occurred with both DMPA and NET-EN, yet they did not reach the lower cut-off levels for impaired glucose tolerance in any user. With the same spacing of injections, i.e. every 84 +/- 5 days for NET-EN and every 90 +/- 5 days for DMPA, the effects on various parameters studied were less with NET-EN.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1991

Levels of serum steroid hormones in intrauterine contraceptive device users.

Serum progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and cortisol were assayed in the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases of the menstrual cycles in 30 Lippe's loop and 30 Cu T-200 IUCD users, compared to 24 controls. Mean serum progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly higher in the mid-luteal, compared to the mid-follicular phase in each group (p less than 0.01). There were no significant differences between the mean levels of progesterone, testosterone and cortisol in IUCD users and controls in both the mid-follicular and mid-luteal phases. IUCD users had significantly higher levels of estradiol (p less than 0.01) in the mid-luteal phase but not in the mid-follicular phase, compared to controls. There was hormonal evidence of corpus luteum insufficiency in 8.3%, 14.3% and 20% in the controls, Lippe's loop and Cu T-200 IUCD users, respectively.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Glucocorticoids in multiple trauma and infection--still a topic for discussion?].

The clinical use of glucocorticoids in trauma and sepsis has not yet been approved on the basis of clinical trials. Current knowledge in the area of pathogenesis is reviewed, and against this background the mechanisms of steroid action will be discussed, the current status of clinical testing in both trauma and sepsis will be evaluated, and ways of testing the effectiveness will be proposed. Although most trials up to now have shown a positive overall effect in trauma patients, a further prospective randomized controlled study with a more homogeneous study population and including trauma scores is necessary before trauma can be reliably accepted as a firm indication for glucocorticoid treatment. In the discussion on sepsis syndrome a variety of reasons are suggested for the failure of earlier studies to show beneficial effects. Besides methodological aspects, one of the main reasons is the neglected field of pharmacologic-pharmacokinetic principles. A new study should be performed under therapeutic drug-monitoring (TDM) conditions once more is known about the target concentration range.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[The pig--an experimental model for transplantation of isolated islets pancreatic islets].

The authors present results of autotransplantation of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas in pigs and miniature pigs ("Troll"). Diabetes was induced by total pancreatomy. From the removed pancreas the islets of Langerhans were separated by the method of intraductal perfusion with collagenase and implanted into the spleen or liver via the portal vein. The mortality on operation in pigs was 33%, in miniature pigs 20%. In domestic pigs normal blood sugar levels were achieved in 25% after implantation of the islets of Langerhans into the liver (in 2 of 8 animals) and in 50% after implantation into the spleen (in 4 of 8 animals). In miniature pigs autotransplantation of the islets of Langerhans was equally successful when transplanted into the liver or the spleen -50%. The 50% success of autotransplantations justifies the use of pigs as a model for further investigations of allo- or xenotransplantations of the islets of Langerhans.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Decreased reduced glutathione and glutathione reductase activity in subjects with hemoglobin C.

Erythrocyte catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were determined in 17 normal black controls, 8 subjects with Hb AC, 12 with Hb SC, 1 with Hb CC and 18 patients with sickle cell anemia. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in sickle cell anemia. Reduced glutathione and glutathione reductase activity were significantly lower in subjects with Hb C (AC, CC, SC). Differences were observed between Hb C, Hb S and Hb A as regards red cell dehydration, intracellular crystallization, enhanced potassium efflux, an increased number of titratable SH groups in Hb C and the binding of Hb C to band 3 on the inner membrane surface. A decrease in reduced glutathione, probably due to inhibition or decreased synthesis of glutathione reductase, was also observed. All these factors may determine oxidation of Hb C, possibly contributing to the hemolysis in patients with Hb C disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[In vitro and in vivo studies of isolation, transplantation and function of Langerhans islets in the swine].

Limits and possibilities of the transplantation of islets of Langerhans in pigs were studied. 6 x 10(4) to 3 x 10(6) islets and insulin producing fragments per pancreas were obtained by intraductal collagenase digestion of the pancreatic gland following total pancreatectomy. Islets grafted into the spleen or liver rendered normoglycemia to the pancreatectomized animals as demonstrated by normal fasting blood sugars and normal intravenous glucose tolerance tests as compared to not operated animals permitting a survival time of up to one year. Apancreatic controls died of ketoacidosis and diabetic coma 10 to 12 days posttransplant. The number of isolated and transplanted islets correlated well to the normoglycemic state of the animal. Beyond that the in vitro challenge of the islets with glucose and resulting insulin secretion was a very important indicator for the functional status and integrity of the islets after transplantation. Thus the pig appears to be a suitable model for the preclinical studying of islet transplantation especially since immunologic, physiologic and anatomic features of the pig are similar to those in the human regarding pancreas and nutrition.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

31P NMR spectroscopy for in vitro viability testing of porcine pancreatic islets.

The quality of pancreatic islets prepared by an intraductal pancreas collagenase perfusion technique was tested using three independent methods: 31P NMR spectroscopy, an insulin secretion test, and a staining method. The viability of pancreatic islet tissue was evaluated using the ratio of phosphate diester to phosphate monoester (PDE/PME) as a new criterion obtained by 31P NMR spectroscopy. According to this criterion, three types of tissue fragments could be characterized: vital (PDE/PME 0.5-0.9), damaged (PDE/PME less than 0.2), and necrotic (no PDE, no PME). The findings in the three different groups could be correlated to three trends of insulin secretion of the preparations following glucose challenge: good response to the glucose challenge, continuous decrease of insulin production, and no insulin secretion. We feel that 31P NMR spectroscopy offers a rapid and suitable method for classifying the viability of isolated pancreatic islets.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Pressure-controlled reperfusion improves postischemic recovery of LV-hypertrophied rat hearts.

The influence of pressure-controlled postischemic reperfusion (Rp) on functional and metabolic parameters in hearts of sham-operated rats and hypertrophied hearts of rats with aortic constriction were studied. Hypertrophied hearts are considered to be more susceptible to ischemia. The hearts were perfused in the Langendorff-technique for thirty minutes at 35 degrees C with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer at a perfusion pressure (PP) of 75 mmHg and for five minutes at 15 degrees C with St. Thomas' Hospital cardioplegic solution at a PP of 60 mmHg. After a period of global ischemia of forty minutes' duration at 15 degrees C, reperfusion was started either abruptly (aRp: PP 75 mmHg immediately) or gently (gRp: PP 75 mmHg within thirty minutes); it lasted for forty-five minutes. Intraventricular peak systolic pressure (ISP) was monitored and energy-rich compounds (ATP, ADP, AMP, CrP, free Cr) were analyzed. In normal hearts, metabolic recovery was not affected by the mode of reperfusion, but functional recovery (ISP) averaged 88% of the preischemic control value after gRp as compared with 73% after aRp. In hypertrophied hearts, gentle reperfusion ameliorated both metabolic and functional recovery. At forty-five minute recovery, CrP averaged 5.1 mumol/g ww after aRp and 6.6 mumol/g ww after gRp (p less than 0.01), and ISP amounted to 73% of the preischemic control after aRp and to 85% after gRp.

Adenine Nucleotides↗
PubMed1986

Pathology of opportunistic infections in children with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Opportunistic infections (OI) were diagnosed by histology and culture of biopsy and autopsy material in 15 children with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The opportunistic pathogens included Pneumocystic carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, Candida species, Aspergillus species, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus. Seven of 15 patients also had multiple systemic infections with common pathogenic bacteria. Accurate diagnosis of OI in AIDS is of importance in the decision regarding the choice of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Careful histologic assessment of the biopsy specimens; awareness of unusual features such as paucity of organisms and inflammatory reaction, "histoid" variety of reaction, lack of granuloma formation, and resemblance to Whipple's disease in certain OI; and demonstration of causative organisms by appropriate special stains and/or culture are essential in the evaluation of these patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Thymus biopsy in children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Thymic biopsy was done at the time of open lung biopsy in 11 children with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Precocious involution, involution mimicking dysplasia designated as dysinvolution, and thymitis characterized by lymphomononuclear or plasmacytic infiltration, medullary lymphoid follicles, or medullary multinucleated giant cells were seen. Thymic biopsy is helpful in distinguishing AIDS from certain congenital immunodeficiency disorders. The three different types of thymic lesions may represent progression and/or different expressions of thymic epithelial injury in children with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1986

Percent acceleration time: a new method of fetal assessment.

The percent acceleration time (PAT) is a fetal heart rate parameter, which may be derived from the nonstress test (NST). It is based on measurement of the duration of individual movement-associated fetal heart rate accelerations (MAFAs), obtained during a nonstress test, and is calculated by the formula: (formula, see text) The authors studied 148 fetuses undergoing four or more serial nonstress tests who were delivered within one week of their last test. Percent acceleration time of fetuses with normal outcomes had a mean value of 15.5 +/- 10.0 (SD)%, correlated well with the frequency and amplitude of movement-associated fetal heart rate accelerations but was independent of gestational age and mean baseline fetal heart rate. No normal fetus had a percent acceleration time of less than 5% on its last nonstress test, while only one abnormal fetus had a percent acceleration time that exceeded the mean percent acceleration time of the normal group. All abnormal fetuses had a significant progressive decline in percent acceleration time (mean: 50.6%). Percent acceleration time values were more sensitive in identifying fetuses with perinatal compromise than were conventional criteria for nonstress test reactivity, and may provide a useful alternative to assessment of fetal status when other quantitative methods are unavailable (continuous ultrasound visualization) or less reliable (maternal perception, tokodynamometry, palpation).

Female↗
PubMed1985

Computer-assisted assessment of the fetal biophysical profile.

The biophysical profile assesses fetal heart rate, breathing movements, fetal body movements, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal tone. In the past, these data have been scored by an arbitrary, unweighted system. While this approach is useful in detecting major anomalies and oligohydramnios, both static observations, the dynamic variables (fetal heart rate, fetal breathing movements, and fetal body movements) have added little information beyond that of an extended nonstress test alone. We have evaluated an alternative biophysical assessment system, modeled after extended physiologic studies, which not only acquires dynamic fetal variables simultaneously but, with computer assistance, quantifies the biophysical information. With an ADR 4000/L scanner, a Hewlett-Packard 8040 A monitor, and a specially programmed IBM microcomputer, we studied 100 normal term fetuses during 60-minute epochs. Each gestation had normal amniotic fluid volume and fetal tone. Normative values for the dynamic variables, expressed as means +/- SD were: fetal heart rate, 137 +/- 6.3 bpm; incidence of fetal breathing movements, 25.0% +/- 17.3%; rate of fetal breathing movements, 46.0 +/- 9.4 breaths/min; total fetal breathing movements, 823 +/- 61; incidence of fetal body movements, 8.5% +/- 3.9%; accelerations (greater than 15 bpm, 15 seconds), 14.1 +/- 6.3. We conclude that this approach is practicable, respects the biologic cycles of fetal behavior, and provides a basis for population standards and sequential study of the same fetus.

Amniotic Fluid↗
PubMed1985

Pathologic pulmonary findings in children with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a study of ten cases.

Lung tissue and tissue from the lymphoreticular system obtained at open biopsy and/or autopsy were studied in ten children with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). One or both parents of nine of the children had AIDS or risk factors for AIDS. The remaining child had hemophilia. The following pulmonary lesions were seen: 1) diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), 2) Pneumocystis carinii and/or cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, 3) lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP), and 4) desquamative interstitial pneumonitis (DIP). Combinations of such factors as mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and opportunistic infection played a role in the pathogenesis of DAD. Opportunistic infections were related to the defective cell-mediated immunity in these children. The clinical, epidemiologic, immunologic, and pathologic features of the thymuses of these patients indicate that the immune deficiency was unlikely to have been of congenital origin. The immunologic abnormalities may also have been related to the pathogenesis of LIP and DIP. Neither LIP nor DIP has been described in adults with AIDS. Open lung biopsy is of practical importance in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disease in children with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1985

Imperforate hymen with hematocolpos.

Presented are two cases of imperforate hymen with hematocolpos seen in a pediatric emergency department (ED) during a seven-month period. The first case presented with abdominal pain, urinary obstruction, and constipation on initial visit. The diagnosis was not made on the initial presentation. The patient was seen a second time, and final diagnosis was not made until a third visit to the pediatric outpatient clinic. The second case presented with syncope and bilateral lower abdominal pain. Ultrasound and subsequent surgery confirmed the physical findings in the ED of imperforate hymen and hematocolpos. Both patients underwent hymenectomy, and they have experienced no further symptoms.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1984

Mucoid anaplastic hepatoblastoma. A case report.

A case of an unusual type of hepatoblastoma in a 5-month-old male infant is described. The tumor showed the following unusual features as compared with the epithelial and mixed types of hepatoblastoma: (1) The tumor cells presented a primitive anaplastic appearance without any resemblance in terms of cytologic features or arrangement to embryonal or fetal liver. (2) Abundant mucoid material containing acid mucopolysaccharide was present giving a slimy, gelatinous, gross appearance to the tumor and its metastases. (3) Well-defined tubular structures were present in some foci within the tumor parenchyma. (4) The tumor resulted in a rapidly fatal course, with metastases to the lungs and widespread peritoneal seeding despite complete surgical resection of the primary tumor. Yolk sac carcinoma and undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver were considered in the differential diagnosis. On electron microscopic examination, the tumor cells showed cytoplasmic features and junctional complexes consistent with their epithelial origin. Alpha-fetoprotein in the blood, which was markedly elevated prior to surgery, returned to a normal level postoperatively. Hepatoblastoma with the combination of features described above has not been previously reported. Because of the two striking and easily recognizable features viz. total lack of differentiation of tumor cells and presence of abundant mucoid material, the authors designated the tumor as mucoid anaplastic hepatoblastoma.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1984

Clofibrate-induced myotoxicity in rats. Temporal profile of myopathology.

In this report, the temporal sequence of myopathology during a clofibrate-induced muscular syndrome and its recovery in rats is described using histopathologic, histochemical and electron microscopic technics. Two stages of myopathology are described: an early stage characterized by myopathic features, and a later stage characterized by neurogenic features. Although muscle histology returns to normal after 1 week of discontinuing the drug, electron microscopic abnormalities persist through the second week. It is proposed that clofibrate, in addition to its myotoxic effect, may be neurotoxic.

Animals↗