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Biomedical subjects

A Taytard

Publications and source records attributed to A Taytard.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

IgE binding inhibits arachidonic acid-induced chemiluminescence of human platelets.

Arachidonic acid (AA)-induced chemiluminescence (CHL) was studied in vitro by means of a luminometer in platelets from nine healthy volunteers and six allergic patients. The amplitude of the CHL signal increased with AA concentration from 250 microM to 7 mM. At a low AA concentration (250 microM), the CHL signal consisted of two peaks. The first one occurred at 6 +/- 3 sec and the second one at 90 +/- 15 sec (n = 9). The mean amplitude of these peaks was 1.95 +/- 0.61 mV/sec and 0.82 +/- 0.22 mV/sec for normal subjects, and 2.35 +/- 0.62 mV/sec and 0.78 +/- 0.26 mV/sec for allergic patients, respectively. Aspirin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) and baicalein (a lipoxygenase inhibitor) reduced in a concentration-dependent manner, the first and second peak, respectively. The binding of immunoglobulin E (IgE) alone to platelets from both normal and allergic subjects inhibited both the first and second peak of AA-induced CHL. This inhibitory effect was specifically due to the action of IgE as it was (i) concentration-dependent and (ii) not observed when immunoglobulin G (IgG) was substituted for IgE. It is concluded that in normal subjects, as well as in allergic patients, the binding of IgE alone to its specific receptor on human platelets could alter arachidonate metabolism that probably involves cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.

Adult↗

[A phase II trial of pirarubicin in untreated disseminated small cell lung cancer. A cooperative study of the French Pneumo-Cancerology Group].

The usual form of chemotherapy of metastatic small cell lung cancer gives a 50% objective response with a mean survival of 7-8 months. We have tested a new antimitotic drug using pirarubicin alone in 26 patients. After the second treatment we noticed a response level of 12% with moderate toxicity. Then, we undertook classical chemotherapy using cisplatin-V16. After 3 doses the response level was 50% with a median survival of 32 weeks. In our study the use of a single drug pirarubicin in metastatic small cell cancer did not appear to worsen the chance of survival in patients if polychemotherapy was carried out immediately in cases which failed on the single drug. Our monotherapy did not appear to induce resistance to affective polychemotherapy. This method applied carefully to patients with metastatic disease with a strict follow up may be utilised in the assessment of the efficacy of the newer antimitotic drugs.

Adult↗

The inhibitory effect of immunoglobulin E on monoamine uptake in human platelets.

The uptake of the monoamine radiolabelled tracer 125I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine (MIBG) was studied in vitro in platelets from 15 healthy volunteers and five allergic patients whose serum IgE concentration was 37 +/- 33 and 650 +/- 200 IU/ml, respectively. The MIBG uptake was determined by means of a gamma counter after incubation in a buffer. Binding of IgE to platelets significantly reduced MIBG uptake both in healthy subjects and in allergic patients. This reduction was significantly related to the action of IgE as it did not occur after binding of IgG. Moreover, MIBG uptake plotted versus increasing concentration of IgE (ranging from 10 to 3000 IU/ml) was fitted by a classical sigmoidal curve which was not significantly different between healthy subjects and allergic patients. Lastly, the effect of IgE on MIBG uptake was due to the binding of the sole IgE as it was not modified by subsequent addition of anti-IgE. It is concluded that the binding of the sole IgE to its specific receptor on platelets alters the transport of monoamines.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

[A new form of mushroom workers' lung].

The authors describe a new form of mushroom workers' lung after assessing the clinical situation and also the results of an immunological study. The case was related to the mushroom Poria megalopora. A new antigen has been identified and also its domiciliary origin, thus the ubiquitous nature of the antigen contributes to the interest of the case reported.

Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic↗

[Bronchial symptoms and respiratory function in the natural gas extraction industry. The role of Pi phenotype and chemical pollution].

The aim of this study was to measure, in workers in the chemical industry, the frequency of symptoms and/or alteration in respiratory function according to the Pi phenotype and the occupational environment of each subject. 188 men (mean age 33) participated in a cross sectional study which included: a questionnaire on the working conditions, smoking habits and respiratory symptoms, a lung function test assessing bronchial flow rates, residual volume and CO lung transfer, laboratory investigations with determination of the Pi phenotype, blood concentration of alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha-1-AT) and antielastase activity in the serum, a study of outdoor environment in each occupation. The Pi phenotype was divided as MM (75.5%) and non MM (24.5%). Both serum alpha 1AT concentration and antielastase activity were lower in non MM subjects than in MM ones. There was no difference between the 2 groups for age, smoking, working conditions, bronchial symptoms or respiratory function values that were within a normal range. The MM subjects stated that they were more exposed to dust, gas and cold; their absence from work for respiratory disorders was more frequent although in a non significant manner and their flow rates at low lung volumes was paradoxically worse than in non MM subjects. It is concluded that neither the outdoor environment nor the Pi phenotype play a role in the respiratory risk which requires, to be more comprehensively evaluated, a prospective study.

Adult↗

Delivery of prevention and care to asthmatic children.

Asthma-induced mortality increases especially among children; asthma induced morbidity impairs their day-to-day life as well as both their physical and psychological development. The treatment of asthma in children should reduce their symptoms. Although asthma medication appears to be efficient in clinical trials such is not the case in clinical practice and public health. The use of drugs and services depends upon the severity of the disease as well as upon cultural, personal and familial factors. These factors are crucial in the spontaneously inconsistent evolution of this disease. The management of asthmatic children should thus aim: 1) to alter behaviors--of both the patients and their parents who are often in charge of the treatment on a day-to-day basis and of the physician in order to organize a comprehensive therapeutic project for the sick children; 2) to enhance the collaboration between the different paramedical people involved in the treatment; 3) to improve the efficiency of the health system to allow it to achieve its goal of providing high-standard, accessible health care.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Pirarubicin phase II study in untreated metastatic small-cell lung carcinoma. A cooperative study of the Groupe Français de Pneumo-Cancérologie (GFPC).

Pirarubicin (THP) (Roger Bellon Laboratory, France) is a new anthracycline under clinical development. In order to assess the efficacy and toxicity of the drug in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), we have undertaken this trial in front-line therapy in patients with metastatic disease, PS less than 3 and at least one evaluable lesion. Responses were assessed after two cycles of THP (60 mg/m2 i.v. bolus every 3-4 weeks) and a further cross over to VP16 + CDDP (three cycles) was systematic whatever the response to THP. This crossover was performed after only one cycle in case of obvious progression. From June 1988 to April 1990, 32 patients were enrolled: 6 were ineligible (4 non-SCLC, 2 M0), 26 patients were fully evaluable for THP and 18 patients for VP16-CDDP. The characteristics of the patients were as follows: mean age 57.4 years (38-71); T4: 54%; T3: 27%; T2: 19%; N3: 62%; N2: 35%; No: 4%. The efficacy was as follows 1 complete response and 2 partial responses (confirmed by endoscopy); 12 patients received only one cycle because of obvious progression; the overall response rate is 12% (95% confidence interval 0-24%). The patient who had complete response after pirarubicin remained in CR after VP16-CDDP, whereas the 2 patients who had partial response achieved CR for one and PR for the other; among the 15 who did not respond 1 CR and 7 PR were observed. The only significant toxicity of THP was granulopenia without infection. THP seems to be an effective anthracycline in SCLC, and the study is continuing. A response could be reached in 50% of the nonresponders with standard therapy and 10 of 24 patients (42%) finally responded. Therefore, this schedule for testing new drugs in metastatic SCLC appears ethically acceptable.

Adult↗

[Left atrial extension of bronchial cancer diagnosed by echocardiography. Report of 2 cases].

The authors report 2 cases of left atrial extension of bronchial carcinoma detected by echocardiography. There have only been ten previous reports of echocardiography. There have only been ten previous reports of echocardiography detection of this complication as echocardiography is not requested systematically in patients with bronchial carcinoma. Left atrial metastasis is not uncommon at autopsy and the diagnostic value of echocardiography is excellent : the tumour appears as a hyperdense mass invading the roof of the left atrium through the pulmonary veins. Echocardiographic detection of left atrial extension of bronchial carcinoma is important because it implies a poor prognosis and because it may lead to a different therapeutic approach.

Carcinoma, Bronchogenic↗

Actual usage of medical facilities by asthmatics in two French rural settings: a preliminary study.

Until recently the medical management of asthmatic patients with respect to their socio-cultural environment had only been superficially studied. Four hundred and fifty eight adult asthmatics were identified through a two-stage questionnaire in two rural districts of south west France. The study has mainly demonstrated: 1) the large number of subjects experiencing more than one attack per week (33% in Gironde, 40% in Lot et Garonne); 2) the large number of subjects feeling disabled in their occupational and day-to-day life (52% in Gironde, 54% in Lot et Garonne); 3) the absence of a relationship between the severity of the disease and the use of medical facilities in the community. Despite the frequency of the attacks and the perceived disability, 27% of the patients felt that their asthma did not require any treatment and up to 60% did not seek medical help even during an attack; 4) the role of population density, type of dwelling and social status in the management of asthma. We conclude that under-treatment is widespread in these two rural settings and is closely related with the association of at least two of these three characteristics: 1) living in a low population density area; 2) living in an isolated dwelling; and 3) being a farm owner.

Adult↗

High doses of inhaled corticosteroids in unstable chronic asthma. A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 1,500 micrograms/day was compared to placebo in 43 chronic asthmatic patients uncontrolled by inhaled salbutamol and oral theophylline. During the prestudy period, a test of maximal steroid reversibility with oral prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg/day for 14 days was performed. The therapeutic response was measured over an 8-wk period as the ability to maintain the clinical improvement and the optimal pulmonary function induced by prednisolone. During the study, severe asthma exacerbation occurred in one (5%) of the 21 patients who received BDP and in 15 (78%) of the 22 patients who received placebo (p less than 0.001). In patients who received BDP, FEV1 and peak expiratory flow (PEF) remained above the optimal postprednisolone value, with a trend to improvement during the 8-wk study period. In patients who received placebo, FEV1 and PEF decreased and remained below the optimal value. We conclude that, in chronic asthma, inhaled BDP 1,500 micrograms/day maintains the optimal pulmonary function in addition to the clinical benefit induced by a short course of oral corticosteroids.

Administration, Inhalation↗

[Beta blocking drugs in chronic obstructive bronchopneumopathies].

UNLABELLED: The respiratory tolerance can limit the use of beta-blocker medication (beta-) currently indicated in numerous clinical situations, both cardiovascular and also neurological and ophthalmological. Blockade of beta adrenergic receptors is without risk in subjects free of bronchial pathology, but may destabilize underlying airflow obstruction; either presenting as or sustaining bronchospasm in an asthmatic, and increasing bronchial obstruction, in patients suffering from chronic airflow obstruction (BPCO). Now BPCO, and in particular asthma, are easily associated with diseases for which beta- are indicated. In addition the notion of cardioselectivity is relative and dose dependent. IN PRACTICE: beta- are contraindicated in chronic airflow obstruction with bronchial hyper-reactivity; in other cases, beta- should be used carefully choosing the most cardioselective products at the lowest effective dose. Whatever the route of administration (in particular eye drops), the beta- are reliable to produce the same harmful effects. There should be strict follow up of treatment and a watch kept for signs of a worsening or a provocation of respiratory problems; conversely the occurrence of such symptomatology in a patient with bronchial pathology should call into question the place of beta-. Finally beta- should be avoided in allergic subjects and (a fortiori) in specific immunotherapy where there is a possibility of anaphylactic shock.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[Analysis of 64 second primary cancers of the bronchi].

Sixty-four primary lung carcinomas were observed among 1,039 patients operated for bronchial carcinoma between 1975 and 1984. (Statement: July 1987). The second tumor tended to develop at a distance from the first resection performed for a lesion with good prognostic factors. Their site and histology present no unusual features. 64% appeared in the contralateral lung; 78% had the same histological type as the first cancer. Among 28 patients treated by surgery, 26 had a second resection: there were two peri-operative deaths and 4 major complications. Among the 36 patients rejected for surgery, 21 had excessively altered lung function tests. 30 patients were treated with radiotherapy, 7 with chemotherapy first; one had no treatment. The survival rate for the whole group was quite good: 26% at three years; it was significantly better after a second resection: 41% at three years. Overall survival seems comparable with that of the patients operated upon for a single carcinoma.

Aged↗