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Biomedical subjects

C Simon

Publications and source records attributed to C Simon.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Progress of antibiotic therapy in pediatrics].

The advances in the antibiotic therapy of acute bacterial infections can be shown by the decreasing frequency of complications and fatalities in children. The annual death-rate from pneumonia in children aged one month to 15 years has fallen in Schleswig-Holstein from 1.8 (1954-1958) to 0.6 per 10,000 (1969-1973). At the same time the total death-rate in the same age group has fallen from 14.5 to 9.3 per 10,000 children. The percentage of pneumonia in the total death-rate was 5.3% in 1971-1973: 1.6% in the first month of life and after the sixteenth year 2.3%. Pneumonia was in fourth place (after accident, malformation and neoplasm) as a cause of death in children more than one month old. Of 245 children operated on for congenital heart disease in 1983-1984, bacterial and fungal infections occurred in 3.6% compared to 17.8% of 469 in 1968-1972. Staphylococcal infections decreased from 3.4% to 0.8% and those caused by gram-negative bacteria from 6.9% to 0. Perioperative prophylaxis was performed with cefotaxime plus piperacillin in 1983-1984 versus oxacillin plus ampicillin in 1968-1972. Between 1984 and 1989, 944 children (premature babies and term babies) were treated in the intensive care unit of the University Children's Hospital of Kiel. The incidence of sepsis was 5% (congenital sepsis 4%, sepsis acquired after birth 1%). Early diagnosis and treatment of severe bacterial infections with cefotaxime plus piperacillin reduced the mortality rate of sepsis to 2%. Sepsis never developed under treatment with cefotaxime plus piperacillin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1991

In vitro activity of flomoxef and cefazolin in combination with vancomycin.

207 clinical isolates from strains of patients from the University Children's Hospital of Kiel were investigated for their in vitro activity with the agar dilution method against flomoxef and cefazolin (alone and partially in combination with vancomycin). Staphylococci were also tested with other cephalosporins (cefoxitin, cefamandole, cefotaxime, cefotetan and latamoxef). Flomoxef and cefazolin always acted more vigorously on staphylococci than the other cephalosporins. Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus strains against flomoxef and cefazolin did not occur but was found in 15 and 5 of 98 Staphylococcus epidermidis strains, respectively. Enterococcus faecalis strains were always resistant against both drugs; Streptococcus faecium strains were only moderately sensitive. Combined testing of flomoxef or cefazolin with vancomycin showed synergism in almost all staphylococcal strains. Synergism was stronger when S. epidermidis strains were only weakly sensitive to or resistant against flomoxef and cefazolin in comparison to highly sensitive strains. Flomoxef (or cefazolin) acted synergistically in combination with vancomycin on E. faecalis and S. faecium with the exception of two strains of E. faecalis which showed an additive effect of both drugs.

Cefazolin↗
PubMed1991

In vitro release and tissue levels of ileal serotonin after cisplatin-induced emesis in the cat.

We have studied the peripheral mechanisms responsible for the severe vomiting observed in cisplatin treated cats. Release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from isolated portions of the ileum and ileal tissue concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine were studied in vitro with control animals and animals previously treated with cisplatin. In the latter, two groups were observed: animals in which cisplatin (single dose, 10 mg/kg) induced vomiting within 4 h and animals that did not vomit within 4 h. Spectrofluorimetric assessment of 5-hydroxytryptamine in the perfusate and ileal tissue revealed that cisplatin increases both release, and tissue levels, of ileal 5-hydroxytryptamine in animals which vomited, whereas only ileal 5-hydroxytryptamine release was increased in animals which did not vomit. This may have clinical implications as cisplatin induced emesis may be more effectively prevented by drugs preventing ileal 5-hydroxytryptamine formation rather than release.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Merging pharmacopoeia: understanding the historical origins of incorporative pharmacopoeial processes among Xhosa healers in southern Africa.

This paper focusses on Xhosa healers and their pharmacopoeias in Southern Africa. Its preliminary aim is to show that Xhosa healers have incorporated Western pharmaceutical products into their traditional dispensaries. The primary aim of the paper is to explain the trend towards medicinal incorporation in terms of the historical development of health and health care in Xhosa-speaking regions. Finally, it is suggested that Xhosa healers utilise Western medicines for their symbolic value, allowing them to negotiate some of the historical precedents which have had the effect of marginalising their profession.

Africa, Southern↗
PubMed1991

[Lipid profile in adult population representative of a French district (Bas-Rhin)].

Serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and A1, A2 and B apoprotein levels were determined in a population of 967 adults aged 25 to 64 years representative of the general population of the Bas-Rhin region localized in North-Eastern France. Age and sex were found to have a significant influence on most parameters studied; however, HDL-cholesterol, Apo A1, and Apo A2 were independent from age in males. HDL-cholesterol levels were consistently found to be higher in females than in males. Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, Apo A1, Apo A2 and Apo B levels, but not the HDL-cholesterol/cholesterol ratio, were higher in females above 45 years of age. A cholesterol level indicating increased cardiovascular risk, i.e., above 5.1 mmol/l, was found in 55% of males and 53% of females; HDL-cholesterol was under 0.9 mmol/l in 46% of males and 29% of females. The close linear correlations seen between cholesterol and Apo B (r = 0.820) and between HDL-cholesterol and Apo A1 (r = 0.580) were used to estimate theoretical threshold levels of apoproteins indicating increased risk: the Apo B level was greater than 0.77 g/l in 60% of males and 45% of females and the Apo A1 level was smaller than 1.58 g/l in 42% of males and 28% of females. Apo A2 level seems less useful as marker of increased risk. In conclusion, increased vascular risk due to unfavorable lipid profiles was common in the studied population especially among males and among females above 45 years of age. Apoproteins A1 and B reliably reflect cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels and can help evaluate cardiovascular risk.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The effects of population structure on the spread of the HIV infection.

A model for the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a population of male homosexuals is presented. The population is divided into five groups on the basis of degree of sexual activity. Within each group, the individuals are classified as 1) susceptible; 2) infective; or 3) removed because of a lack of sexual activity associated with advanced acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS). The infective individuals are further subdivided into four stages of infection. Analyses of the model address two questions with regard to the spread of HIV: (1) What is the effect of level of sexual activity on an individual's risk for infection, and (2) What is the effect that assumptions about mixing between groups have on both individual risk and transmission throughout a population? Results from analyses using a number of different parameter estimates show that increased levels of sexual activity increase the likelihood that an individual will become infected. In addition, the initial spread of the disease is markedly affected by variation in the amount of contact among individuals from different subpopulations. The steady-state incidence of the disease is not markedly affected by variation in the contact patterns, but the size of the steady-state population and therefore the proportion of infected individuals in the population does vary significantly with changes in the degree of mixing among subpopulations. These results show clearly the sensitivity of model outcomes to variation in the patterns of contact among individuals and the need for better data on such interactions to aid in understanding and predicting the spread of HIV.

HIV Infections↗
PubMed1990

How accurate is ultrasonography in monitoring IUD placement?

The insertion of two different types of intrauterine devices (Multiload 250 and Silver T) has been monitored in 97 patients through systematic exploration by echography and hysteroscopy. Both techniques seem to be highly reliable in spite of the observation of 9% misplacements of the IUDs not detected by echography. In addition, hysteroscopy enables the diagnosis of frequent associated pathology (endometrial hyperplasia, endometriosis, polyps) difficult to diagnose by echography. The present study demonstrates the fact that the ultrasonography confirmation of IUD localization in the uterus was not always accurate.

Female↗
PubMed1990

Efficacy of intranasal human calcitonin in patients with Paget's disease refractory to salmon calcitonin.

PURPOSE: A cause for the resistance to intranasal salmon calcitonin (sCT) therapy in patients with Paget's disease is the occurrence of neutralizing antibodies to sCT. As a result, a new formulation of intranasal human calcitonin (hCT) was developed, and the efficacy investigated in patients treated earlier with sCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with Paget's disease were treated twice daily for 6 months with 1 mg synthetic hCT administered intranasally. Five patients demonstrated low-titer antibodies to sCT, and four of the patients did not respond previously to 1-year therapy with intranasal sCT. The hypocalcemic effect of 3 mg hCT was compared to that of 0.1 mg sCT before and after the intranasal hCT therapy. Serum alkaline phosphatase and the ratio between the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and creatinine were measured before and during intranasal hCT treatment. RESULTS: The hypocalcemic response to 3 mg intranasal hCT (-6.60 +/- 0.67%, mean +/- standard error) was similar before and at the end of intranasal hCT therapy (-5.92 +/- 0.80%, p greater than 0.1). Intranasal sCT (0.1 mg) lowered serum calcium less effectively (-2.86 +/- 0.76%) than 3 mg intranasal hCT (p less than 0.05). The presence of low-titer antibodies to sCT did not affect the hypocalcemic response to sCT or hCT. As a result of the 6-month intranasal hCT regimen, serum alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio were reduced to 62 +/- 5% (p less than 0.001) and 80 +/- 7% (p less than 0.05) respectively, of pretreatment levels. In four patients previously resistant to intranasal sCT therapy because of neutralizing antibodies to sCT, serum alkaline phosphatase was similarly lowered by intranasal hCT to 66 +/- 6% of pretreatment levels (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: A new formulation of intranasal hCT effectively lowered serum calcium levels, alkaline phosphatase concentrations, and urinary hydroxyproline excretion in patients with Paget's disease, some of whom were previously resistant to intranasal sCT because of neutralizing antibodies.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1990

Increase in specific antibody-forming cells in human tonsils after oral stimulation with D-53, a ribosomal vaccine.

Thirty subjects who had received an oral ribosomal vaccine to common bacteria of upper respiratory tract infections, and ten controls were tonsillectomized for recurrent infections or rhonchologic pathology. A three-step indirect immunofluorescence technique was used to identify and enumerate specific antibody forming cells (SAFC) in their tonsils. Plasma-cells specific of the four strains being constituents of the oral vaccine (H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes and S. pneumoniae) were observed in all samples. The numbers of SAFC were significantly higher in the subjects who had received the oral vaccine. These results support the efficiency or oral immunization in increasing local defenses, even at distance from the sensitized gut-associated lymphoid tissue. These data provide evidence for the homing phenomenon in human mucosae associated lymphoid tissue (MALT).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Pathology of the yolk sac: endosonographic results].

The yolk sac is the first embryonic structure that is observed by vaginal sonography. It shows up between the fourth and fifth week as regular ring inside the gestational sac. In this study the normal growth of the yolk sac is standardised through the measuring of its diameter, perimeter and area from its appearance till the twelfth week. The aim of this work is to discover the alterations in its size and echographic picture, and to study their repercussions in the foetus.

Abortion, Threatened↗
PubMed1990

Modulation of episodic renin release during sleep in humans.

We previously described a strong concordance between nocturnal oscillations in plasma renin activity and sleep cycles. To examine whether modifying renal renin content or release influences the response to central stimuli linked to sleep stage alternation, plasma renin activity was measured every 10 minutes from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM in three groups of six subjects. The first group received one 40 mg dose of the diuretic furosemide; the second group underwent the night experiment after 3 days on a low sodium diet; the third group received one 100 mg dose of the beta-blocker atenolol. Each subject underwent a control night when a placebo was given. The nocturnal curves were analyzed with a pulse detection program. For the control nights, 74 of the 83 sleep cycles were associated with significant plasma renin activity oscillations; non-rapid eye movement sleep occurred in the ascending portions and rapid eye movement sleep in the declining portions of the oscillations. These oscillations persisted in the three groups of subjects during the experimental nights and the relation with the sleep stages was not disturbed. Acute stimulation by furosemide amplified the oscillations and led to a general upward trend of the nocturnal profiles. Similarly, a low sodium diet, which led to a slow increase in renal renin content, provoked large oscillations with high initial levels. However, in both cases the mean relative amplitude of the oscillations, expressed as a percentage of the nocturnal means, was similar to that of the control nights and approximated 60%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Regulation of serotonin release from enterochromaffin cells of rat cecum mucosa.

The release of endogenous serotonin or previously taken up tritiated serotonin from isolated strips of rat cecum mucosa containing enterochromaffin cells was studied in vitro. Release of tritiated serotonin was increased by potassium depolarization and was decreased by tetrodotoxin, veratridine and the absence of calcium. Endogenous serotonin was released at a lower rate than tritiated serotonin; endogenous serotonin release was stimulated by potassium depolarization but was unaffected by tetrodotoxin, veratridine or the absence of calcium. Carbachol, norepinephrine, clonidine and isoproterenol decreased release of tritiated serotonin but had less or reverse effect on release of endogenous serotonin. The results suggest two different serotoninergic pools within the enterochromaffin cell population.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Comparison of dietary patterns between population samples in the three French MONICA nutritional surveys.

A nutritional survey was carried out from 1985 to 1987 in three French areas covered by the ischaemic heart disease registers: Bas-Rhin (BR), Haute-Garonne (HG) and the Urban Community of Lille (UCL). 1,128 men aged 45-64 were included in a survey, using the 3-day record method. The results, after adjustment for age, socio-economic status, residence and prescribed diet, showed differences, sometimes significant, between the three samples. Fat represented 37% of the total energy intake in BR, 36% in UCL, and 34% in HG. The P:S ratio ranged from 0.50 in HG, to 0.47 in BR, and 0.40 in UCL. These differences were due to a higher intake of vegetable fat and a lower intake of animal fat in HG. In spite of a very important alcohol intake, with no big differences between the centres (33 to 36 g/day), we noticed that HG drank mainly wine, whereas BR and UCL drank wine and beer in about the same proportions.

Alcoholic Beverages↗
PubMed1990

Blood pressure and dietary intake in a French population sample from three regions.

In order to determine the possible relationship between nutritional factors and blood pressure (BP), a sample of 1128 men of the population living in the three French MONICA centres, Bas-Rhin (BR), Haute-Garonne (HG) and the Urban Community of Lille (UCL), was included in a nutritional survey. Of the sample, 16.2% were taking antihypertensive drugs and 34.1% of the remainder had high BP. Prevalence of high BP was greater in BR and UCL than in HG, the differences persisting after adjustment for body mass index (BMI) and age. BMI and geographic location were the best predictors of high systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Age was positively correlated with SBP, but not with DBP. Alcohol intake was the dietary component which had the most consistent relationship with SBP and DBP. However, greater intakes of total fat and of cholesterol were also associated with higher DBP and SBP respectively. A small but significant contribution of sodium chloride to SBP and DBP was also found, whereas no influence of the intake of calcium or of any diary product was observed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

[Which approach should be chosen for inverted nasosinusal papilloma?].

Inverted papillomas are a benign tumors arising from the external wall of the nasal cavity. Sinus extension is easy to evaluate pre-operatively by using the CT-scan. Lateral rhinotomy is therefore not the only way to removing these tumors. Vestibular and endonasal approaches can be considered. Surgical treatment must however remove the tumor tissue completely since recurrence results directly from insufficiency and must be completed by an histological analysis of the whole tissue after its removal in view of its frequent association with carcinoma.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

[Differential diagnosis by MRT of cavernous hemangiomas and malignant tumors of the liver--advantages of the multi-echo technic].

With a retrospective analysis of images from 39 patients with histologically proven liver tumours we tried to determine the best MRT-parameter for detection of cavernous hemangioma (n = 19) and its differentiation from malignoma (metastases n = 17, HCC n = 5). The best differentiation was achieved with the contrast-to-noise ratio between lesion and liver in multi-echo-images with TR/TE = 2,000/210 ms and a definite limit with an accuracy of 84% for hemangioma and 91% for malignoma. The respective intensity ratios (lesion/liver) were 95% and 77%. T2-relation times and the T1- and T2-ratios were also calculated. In contrary to the literature we think that these parameters are not sufficiently discriminating.

Adult↗