Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Finck

Publications and source records attributed to C Finck.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Azimuthal angle correlations for rapidity separated Hadron pairs in d+Au collisions at square root of sNN=200 GeV.

Deuteron-gold (d+Au) collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider provide ideal platforms for testing QCD theories in dense nuclear matter at high energy. In particular, models suggesting strong saturation effects for partons carrying small nucleon momentum fraction (x) predict modifications to jet production at forward rapidity (deuteron-going direction) in d+Au collisions. We report on two-particle azimuthal angle correlations between charged hadrons at forward/backward (deuteron/gold going direction) rapidity and charged hadrons at midrapidity in d+Au and p+p collisions at square root of sNN=200 GeV. Jet structures observed in the correlations are quantified in terms of the conditional yield and angular width of away-side partners. The kinematic region studied here samples partons in the gold nucleus with x~0.1 to ~0.01. Within this range, we find no x dependence of the jet structure in d+Au collisions.

Journal Article↗

J/psi production and nuclear effects for d + Au and p + p collisions at square root of S(NN) = 200 GeV.

J/psi production in d + Au and p + p collisions at square root of S(NN) = 200 GeV has been measured by the PHENIX experiment at rapidities -2.2 < y < +2.4. The cross sections and nuclear dependence of J/psi production versus rapidity, transverse momentum, and centrality are obtained and compared to lower energy p + A results and to theoretical models. The observed nuclear dependence in d + Au collisions is found to be modest, suggesting that the absorption in the final state is weak and the shadowing of the gluon distributions is small and consistent with Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi-based parametrizations that fit deep-inelastic scattering and Drell-Yan data at lower energies.

Journal Article↗

Nuclear modification factors for hadrons at forward and backward rapidities in deuteron-gold collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV.

We report on charged hadron production in deuteron-gold reactions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. Our measurements in the deuteron direction cover 1.4<eta<2.2, referred to as forward rapidity, and in the gold direction -2.0<eta<-1.4, referred to as backward rapidity, and a transverse momentum range p(T)=0.5-4.0 GeV/c. We compare the relative yields for different deuteron-gold collision centrality classes. We observe a suppression relative to binary collision scaling at forward rapidity, sensitive to low momentum fraction (x) partons in the gold nucleus, and an enhancement at backward rapidity, sensitive to high momentum fraction partons in the gold nucleus.

Journal Article↗

[Vocal fold structure and speech pathologies].

Our knowledge of vocal fold structure has profoundly evolved since the description by M. Hirano in 1974 of the laminar organization of the connective tissue of the human vocal fold, the lamina propria. The molecular composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the lamina propria is essential in determining the viscoelastic properties of the tissue. This is particularly true in the superficial layer of the lamina propria (also called Reinke's space). With the epithelium, Reinke's space constitutes the vocal fold main vibrator. In normal subjects, the jelly like structure of the Reinke's space is due to a very loose fibrous scaffolding and to a balance between the interstitial proteins of the ECM: Proteoglycans like decorin and hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins like fibronectin. Vibratory trauma leads, in disease states, to molecular modification of the extracellular matrix of Reinke's space resulting in benign cordal lesions like nodules, submucosal fibrosis and vocal folds scars. Improving the knowledge of the homeostasis of Reinke's space ECM can lead to improvement of the therapeutic and prevention strategies of vocal fold benign lesions. The main histologic and viscoelastic characteristics, as well as surgical treatment of cordal nodular lesions and scars are described. The recent researches in the field of regeneration of Reinke's space are evoked.

Cicatrix, Hypertrophic↗

Double helicity asymmetry in inclusive midrapidity pi0 production for polarized p+p collisions at square root s = 200 GeV.

We present a measurement of the double longitudinal spin asymmetry in inclusive pi(0) production in polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV. The data were taken at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider with average beam polarizations of 0.27. The measurements are the first in a program to study the longitudinal spin structure of the proton, using strongly interacting probes, at collider energies. The asymmetry is presented for transverse momenta 1-5 GeV/c at midrapidity, where next-to-leading-order perturbative quantum chromodynamic (NLO pQCD) calculations well describe the unpolarized cross section. The observed asymmetry is small and is compared to a NLO pQCD calculation with a range of polarized gluon distributions.

Journal Article↗

Knowledge and attitudes towards preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique which is often related to emotional debates because of its ethical and social implications. Worldwide there are different forms of legislation; Germany constitutes an interesting case because of the historical background concerning eugenics and dealing with handicapped persons at the time of national socialism. PGD is currently not legal but there are still polarized positions and legalization remains an issue. Studies about the attitudes of the general population towards PGD are rare. METHODS: Data were collected in a representative survey carried out in November 2003. Subjects were 2110 persons in Germany aged 18-50 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Respondents had little knowledge about PGD. There were incorrect assumptions about the diagnostic possibilities and a lack of basic genetic knowledge. A tendency towards a general acceptance of PGD for medical indications was found. Non-medical indications such as sex selection were generally not accepted. It could be observed that respondents who already had a notion about PGD overestimated the diagnostic possibilities and would eventually use PGD in the future more than respondents who had never heard about PGD before.

Adolescent↗

Absence of suppression in particle production at large transverse momentum in sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV d+Au collisions.

Transverse momentum spectra of charged hadrons with p(T)<8 GeV/c and neutral pions with p(T)<10 GeV/c have been measured at midrapidity by the PHENIX experiment at BNL RHIC in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=200 GeV. The measured yields are compared to those in p+p collisions at the same sqrt[s(NN)] scaled up by the number of underlying nucleon-nucleon collisions in d+Au. The yield ratio does not show the suppression observed in central Au+Au collisions at RHIC. Instead, there is a small enhancement in the yield of high momentum particles.

Journal Article↗

[Standards, options and recommendations: Good clinical practice in the dietetic management of cancer patients: hospital catering].

CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, involves a collaboration between the Federation of the French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC), the 20 French Regional Cancer Centres, some French public university and general hospitals and private Clinics and medical scientific societies. Its main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and outcome for cancer patients. The methodology is based on a literature review followed by a critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts to produce the draft guidelines which are then validated by specialists in cancer care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To develop clinical practice guidelines for hospital catering for cancer patient using the methodology developed by the Standards, Options and Recommendations project. METHODS: Data were identified by a literature search of Medline and the reference lists of experts in the groups. After the guidelines were drafted, they were validated by independent reviewers. RESULTS: The main recommendations are: 1) While taking into consideration the specific needs of cancer patients, the dietician is responsible for the hygiene, the sanitary quality of alimentation, the equilibrium and nutritional quality of the hospital catering. 2) Ordering and distribution of meals, and clearing up afterwards contribute to the quality of hospital catering and the personnel who do this should have time and be willing to listen to the patients. 3) The ordering of meals should be adapted to individual patient's requirements and must take into account the patient's medication. 4) The method of transporting the food chosen by the institution (cold or warm method) should be respected. The personnel responsible should receive regular and specific training to use the method correctly. 5) The intake of patients with nutritional follow-up should be reliably and reproducibly evaluated by the personnel after every meal. 6) Patient satisfaction should be assessed once a year and the results of this assessment used to improve the quality of hospital catering. 7) The dietician is the interface between the accounts department, the medical wards, the hospital catering department and the patients.

Adult↗

Isospin tracing: A probe of nonequilibrium in central heavy-Ion collisions

Four different combinations of 9644Ru and 9640Zr nuclei, both as projectile and target, were investigated at the same bombarding energy of 400A MeV using a 4pi detector. The degree of isospin mixing between projectile and target nucleons is mapped across a large portion of the phase space using two different isospin-tracer observables, the number of measured protons and the tritium to 3He yield ratio. The experimental results show that the global equilibrium is not reached even in the most central collisions. Quantitative measures of stopping and mixing are extracted from the data. They are found to exhibit a quite strong sensitivity to the in-medium ( n,n) cross section used in microscopic transport calculations.

Journal Article↗

[Good clinical practice in the dietetic management of cancer patients].

CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of the French Cancer Centres (FNCL CC), the 20 French Cancer Centres and specialists from French Public Universities, General Hospitals and Private Clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and outcome for cancer patients. The methodology is based on literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feed-back from specialists in cancer care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To develop clinical practice guidelines according to the definitions of Standards, Options and Recommendations for the dietetic consultation for cancer patient. METHODS: Data have been identified by literature search wing Medline and the expert groups personal reference lists. Once the guidelines were defined, the document was submitted for review to 74 independent reviewers, and to the medical committees of the 20 French Cancer Centres. RESULTS: The main recommendations for the referral of cancer patients for dietary advice are: I) in oncology, there are 3 types of dietetic consultation: diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic; 2) the following cancer patients must have a dietetic consultation: i) those with, or at risk of malnutrition, ii) those without malnutrition but in need of counseling and iii) those at risk of treatment-related nutritional side effects; 3) a nutritional assessment is standard at the time of the first dietetic consultation. Patients must be given individualized and written advice; 4) the dietetic opinion and advice should be brought to the attention of medical staff to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment; 5) patient's relatives should be involved in the dietetic management; 6) the efficacy of dietetic advice can be assessed by monitoring weight, gastrointestinal signs and patient satisfaction.

Adult↗

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor prevents acute lung injury after cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) results from sequential priming and activation of neutrophils. Activated neutrophils release neutral serine, elastase, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and oxygen radical species, which damage alveolar-capillary basement membranes and the extracellular matrix, resulting in an ALI clinically defined as adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We hypothesized that treatment with a potent MMP and elastase inhibitor, a chemically modified tetracycline (CMT-3), would prevent ALI in our sequential insult model of ALI after CPB. METHODS AND RESULTS: Anesthetized Yorkshire pigs were randomized to 1 of 5 groups: control (n=3); CPB (n=5), femoral-femoral hypothermic bypass for 1 hour; LPS (n=7), sham bypass followed by infusion of low-dose Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 microgram/kg); CPB+LPS (n=6), both insults; and CPB+LPS+CMT-3 (n=5), both insults plus intravenous CMT-3 dosed to obtain a 25-micromol/L blood concentration. CPB+LPS caused severe lung injury, as demonstrated by a significant fall in PaO(2) and an increase in intrapulmonary shunt compared with all groups (P<0.05). These changes were associated with significant pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils and an increase in elastase and MMP-9 activity. CONCLUSIONS: All pathological changes typical of ALI after CPB were prevented by CMT-3. Prevention of lung dysfunction followed an attenuation of both elastase and MMP-2 activity. This study suggests that strategies to combat ARDS should target terminal neutrophil effectors.

Acute Disease↗

Multiple sequential insults cause post-pump syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that post-pump syndrome (PPS) following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can be caused by multiple minor insults and that the mechanism of PPS is a priming and subsequent activation of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. In this study extensive pathophysiologic and morphometric assessment was undertaken in a porcine model of sequential insult PPS. METHODS: Pigs were anesthetized, placed on a ventilator, instrumented for measurements of hemodynamic function, and separated into five groups: (1) Control (n = 4)--surgery only, (2) CPB (n = 4)--placed on femoral-femoral hypothermic (28 degrees C) bypass for 1 h, (3) LPS (n = 6)--underwent sham CPB followed by infusion of low dose endotoxin [E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS-1 microg/kg)], (4) Heparin + protamine + LPS (HP + LPS, n = 4)--were heparinized without CPB for 1 h, following which protamine and LPS were infused and (5) CPB + LPS (n = 8)--subjected to both CPB and LPS. RESULTS: Only CPB + LPS resulted in acute respiratory distress typical of PPS as indicated by a significant decrease in PaO2 and increase in intrapulmonary shunt fraction (p<0.05). CPB + LPS significantly increased tissue density and the number of sequestered monocytes and PMNs (p<0.05) above all other groups. Alveolar macrophages (AM) increased equally in all groups receiving LPS. CONCLUSIONS: CPB primes the inflammatory system causing pulmonary PMN sequestration without lung injury. Exposure to an otherwise benign dose of endotoxin results in activation of the sequestered PMNs causing PPS. This study confirms that PPS can be caused by multiple minor insults.

Animals↗

Systemic inflammation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass: a review of pathogenesis and treatment.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe alteration in lung structure and function that develops secondary to a traumatic stimulus. When ARDS develops following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) it is know as postpump syndrome (PPS). ARDS can be caused by a single massive insult ("hit"); however, sequential minor insults ("hits") are more common clinically. The concept of multiple sequential insults causing ARDS has been termed the "two-hit" model of ARDS. The purpose of this article is to summarize our studies testing the hypothesis that PPS is caused by multiple sequential insults. To confirm our hypothesis, we developed a porcine model of "two-hit" PPS. Our model was composed of sequential benign insults, with CPB as the "first hit" and low dose of endotoxin as the "second-hit." It is our hypothesis that the mechanism of PPS is CPB-induced priming of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) ("first-hit") with subsequent PMN activation by a second insult ("second-hit") such as endotoxin. Our model confirms this clinically relevant postulate, and we provide strategies to disrupt the inflammatory cascade leading to PPS.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

Aerosolized surfactant improves pulmonary function in endotoxin-induced lung injury.

Surfactant dysfunction is a primary pathophysiologic component in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this study we tested the efficacy of aerosolized surfactant (Sf ) replacement in a severe lung injury model of endotoxin-induced ARDS. Twenty-one certified healthy pigs were anesthetized, surgically prepared for measurement of hemodynamic and lung function, then randomized into one of four groups: (1) control (n = 5), surgical instrumentation only; (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (n = 6), infused with Escherichia coli LPS (100 microgram/kg) without positive end- expiratory pressure (PEEP) and ventilated with a nonhumidified gas mixture of 50% N2O and 50% O2; (3) LPS + PEEP (n = 4), infused with LPS, placed on PEEP (7.5 cm H2O), and ventilated with a humidified gas mixture; and (4) LPS + PEEP + Sf (n = 6), infused with LPS, placed on PEEP, and ventilated with aerosolized Sf (Infasurf, ONY, Inc.). All animals were studied for 6 h. Arterial PO2 significantly decreased in both the LPS and LPS + PEEP groups (LPS + PEEP = 74 +/- 19 mm Hg; LPS = 74 +/- 19 mm Hg, p < 0.05) while venous admixture (Q S/Q T) increased in these groups (LPS + PEEP = 43.3 +/- 3.9%; LPS = 47.7 +/- 11%, p < 0.05) as compared with the control group. PEEP + Sf reduced the fall in PO2 (142 +/- 20 mm Hg) and rise in Q S/Q T (15.1 +/- 3.6%) caused by LPS. Delayed induction of PEEP (2 h following LPS) did not significantly improve any parameter over the LPS group without PEEP in this ARDS model. LPS without PEEP (3.4 +/- 0.2 cells/6,400 micrometer2) caused a marked increase in the total number of sequestered leukocytes in the pulmonary parenchyma as compared with the control group (1.3 +/- 0.1 cells/6,400 micrometer2). LPS + PEEP + Sf (2.3 +/- 0.2 cells/6,400 micrometer2) significantly decreased while LPS + PEEP significantly increased (4.0 +/- 0.2 cells/6,400 micrometer2) the total number of sequestered leukocytes as compared with the LPS without PEEP group. In summary, aerosolized surfactant replacement decreased leukocyte sequestration and improved oxygenation in our porcine model of endotoxin-induced lung injury.

Aerosols↗