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Biomedical subjects

C Jacques

Publications and source records attributed to C Jacques.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Genome typing of mouse adenoviruses.

Restriction endonuclease cleavage site analysis was used to differentiate between mouse adenovirus (MAV) types 1 and 2 strains. Viral DNA of suitable purity and quantity for multiple enzymatic digestions was obtained from cloned CMT-93 mouse tumor cells infected with each type of MAV. Clear differences between the MAV-1 (FL) and MAV-2 (K87) genomes were observed after cleavage with restriction enzymes such as BglII, EcoRI, and PaeR7. Fast electrophoresis of DNA fragments in miniature agarose slab gels allowed rapid and unequivocal identification of the MAV strains. This relatively simple and accurate method should be quite useful to determine the different modes of transmission of mouse adenoviruses and their presence in various animal populations.

Adenoviridae↗

TRH-induced TSH and prolactin responses in the elderly.

Since there are divergencies in the thyrotropin (TSH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in old age, and since a hypothalamopituitary dysfunction has been suggested in the elderly, we have studied the thyroid function and the TRH responsiveness of TSH and prolactin (PRL) in 56 euthyroid patients over 70 years old, grouped according to age (70-79, 80-89, 90 or more years) and sex. Results were compared to those of 15 postmenopausal women and 11 men. In the elderly patients there was a decrease in plasma tri-iodothyronine (T3) and an increase in reverse T3 (rT3) levels while thyroxine (T4), basal TSH and PRL levels remained normal. The mean TSH and PRL responses to TRH (250 micrograms i.v.) were reduced but there was no age effect within the elderly. Only a sex effect was detected, TSH and PRL responses being appreciably lowered in men. In eight patients without severe disease or malnutrition, the response of TSH was not significant. We conclude that despite an apparent euthyroid status, TSH and PRL responses are blunted in elderly patients, and more in men than in women. These data, consistent with a hypothetical hypothalamopituitary dysfunction, indicate the difficulties of thyroid status assessment in the elderly.

Aged↗

[Sarcoidosis in internal medicine. A cooperative study of 554 cases].

The authors report the results of a retrospective cooperative study of 554 cases of sarcoidosis admitted to departments of internal medicine. The condition is more common in women (57 p. 100) than men (43 p. 100), but the onset is earlier in men. The clinical presentation is very variable and includes a wide variety of extra-thoracic localisations. "Guided" biopsy of early accessible lesions (skin, subcutaneous lymph nodes) is positive in 92 p. 100 of cases: the sensitivity of "blind" biopsy is less impressive, ranging from 49 to 69 p. 100 according to the tissue biopsied (bronchial mucosa, accessory salivary glands, liver). Alveolar lavage is positive in 65 p. 100, and angiotensin converting enzyme is positive in 58 p. 100 of untreated cases. There is a clear correlation between the results of these investigations and the radiological stage of the mediastino -pulmonary disease. Steroid therapy was instituted in 68 p. 100 of cases. The outcome with or without therapy was favourable in 82 p. 100 of cases, confirming the usually benign course of sarcoidosis when the heart is not involved.

Adolescent↗

[Hemoglobin A1c and its variations in pregnancy].

Variations in haemoglobin A1c were studied at different stages of pregnancy in 306 non-diabetic women, using a specific method. It was found that HbA1c levels progressively decreased during the first 25 weeks of pregnancy, then remained stable. No correlation was noted between carbohydrate metabolis and Hb A1c levels. The new assay provides additional information on glucose tolerance in pregnant women and could be used to detect gestational diabetes.

Adult↗

[Maternal glucose tolerance along pregnancy (author's transl)].

The development of the foetal and placental unit induces large changes in maternal glucose tolerance along pregnancy. Oestrogen-induced hyperinsulinism is responsible for facilitated anabolism which take place during the first part of pregnancy. Accelerated catabolism occurring during the second part is due to the direct action of placental hormones, mainly of human placental lactogen. The latter is responsible for diminution of peripheral insulin activity. Hyperinsulinism, which is very important at this stage, facilitates an intense and rapid anabolism, mainly in the liver from where nutriments can be easily removed. Glucose and amino-acid uptake by placental and foetus are greatly increased by all these changes.

Blood Glucose↗

[Infertility and carbohydrate metabolism. A study of 93 cases (author's transl)].

An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 93 women with unexplained infertility (sterility or repeated abortions). An abnormal carbohydrate metabolism was found in 1/3 of the cases (32 patients). Advice on diet control, provided to all of these patients, was followed only by 13.9 of these, who conceived less than 6 months after initiation of the low carbohydrate diet, achieved full-term pregnancy. These results suggest a relationship between infertility and glucose intolerance. A glucose tolerance test should be performed in all women presenting unexplained infertility.

Abortion, Habitual↗

[Maternal glucose tolerance along pregnancy (author's transl)].

The development of the foetal and placental unit induces large changes in maternal glucose tolerance along pregnancy. Oestrogen-induced hyperinsulinism is responsible for facilitated anabolism which take place during the first part of pregnancy. Accelerated catabolism occurring during the second part is due to the direct action of placental hormones, mainly of human placental lactogen. The latter is responsible for diminution of peripheral insulin activity. Hyperinsulinism, which is very important at this stage, facilitates from where nutrients can be easily removed. Glucose and amino-acide uptake by placental and foetus are greatly increased by all these changes.

Amino Acids↗

[Juvenile diabetes of recent onset. Sustained insulin remission by means of preprogrammed insulin infusion (author's transl)].

Seven young insulin-dependent diabetic patients were treated within 45 days at the latest from the onset of the disease by programmed insulin infusions delivered with an insulin pump. In every case normal serum glucose levels were obtained. At the end of each 84-hour infusion, an attempt was made to institute oral antidiabetic treatment. This was successful in 6 patients after 2 or 3 infusions and in one patient after 3 infusions followed by 2 months' conventional insulin therapy and a 4th infusion. In 5 patients (71%), oral treatment could be continued for more than 3 months, which indicates sustained remission of insulin-dependence. These results are comparable to those achieved with an artificial pancreas and can be explained by optimal diabetes control during the programmed infusions. The method has the advantages of being simple and relatively inexpensive.

Administration, Oral↗

[Anticoagulants with antithrombinase activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (author's transl)].

An anticoagulant with antithrombinase activity was looked for in 49 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and found to be present in 14 of them. The latter were suffering from severe and progressive lupus, specially with arterial involvement. The presence of an isolated antithrombinase does not contraindicate a renal biopsy provided the platelet count and other coagulation factors are normal.

Blood Coagulation↗

[Screening for diabetes during pregnancy (author's transl)].

Screening for diabetes, or more commonly the study of maternal glucose tolerance, a routine procedure during pregnancy. The first step consists of assessing the diabetic risk for the patient. Screening tests should be applied early if risk factors for diabetes are present, and/or at a later stage in all pregnant women. The initial test should always be provoked hyperglycemia by the intravenous route. According to the value of the glucose assimilation coefficient K, the test will be repeated using the oral route. Screening can only be effective if applied to all pregnant women.

Administration, Oral↗