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Biomedical subjects

C Stefanis

Publications and source records attributed to C Stefanis.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

Biological aspects of cannabis use.

In this paper the results of a multidisciplinary long term and controlled study on chronic cannabis use are critically reviewed. The first part of the study consisted of: (a) standardization of methods and identification of the experimental sample of chronic cannabis users and matched controls; (b) comparison of the two groups on a number of variables following administration of a battery of medical, psychiatric, neurophysiologic, and psychologic tests; (c) acute cannabis inhalation experiments during which the effect of cannabis preparations of various strengths and of THC-delta-9 were studied in relation to behavioral, psychologic, neurophysiologic, and psychophysiologic responses; (d) identificaiton of possible withdrawal symptoms during a 3-day abstinence period and reintroduction of hashish use. The second part of the study consisted of: (a) a controlled histochemical and electron-microscopic investigation of blood cells and sperm, aimed at revealing changes produced by cannabis at the molecular level, particularly in the cell-nuclear area; (b) a biochemical investigation of changes in biogenic amines and substances related to their metabolism and function during cannabis pre-smoking and postsmoking periods. Our findings from the first part of the study failed to distinguish users from nonusers on most of the investigated parameters. However, they provided useful information on a variety of controversial issues and revealed methodological limitations which should guide future research. Our findings from the second part of the study, although still preliminary, clearly indicate that cannabis use affects cell-nuclear metabolism and produces changes on the molecular level potentially significant for man's biologic functioning. Furthermore findings from this part of this study indicated that cannabis' acute effects in man are correlated with changes in metabolism directly related to biogenic amine biosynthesis and function. It is concluded that despite advances in recent years cannabis research has still a long way to go before providing the definitive answers to the very important questions arising from its habitual use by man.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Elevated activity in myotonic dystrophy.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase, a membrane-bound enzyme playing an important role in the active amino acid transport across cellular membranes, is shown to be elevated in the serum of patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy. No increase of AP, LAP, GOT and GPT activities in the sera of some of the patients studied is observed. Possible interpretations in relation to the pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

2,3 diphosphoglycerate in Parkinson's disease.

The red cell 2,3 DPG, the most important factor for oxygen delivery in the tissues, was found to be increased in Parkinsonism patients compared with controls. The aging process seems not to be a factor in the increased 2,3 DPG concentration. Other factors relevant to raised 2,3 DPG level such as physical activity, increased oxygen requirements, and metabolic changes are discussed.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1976

Chronic hashish use and mental disorder.

The authors compared 47 long-term users of hashish with a control group of 40 subjects matched for age, ethnic origin, education, etc., in order to determine whether they differed significantly on psychiatric, physical health, and demographic variables. There was a significantly higher incidence of personality disorders, unemployment, and prison sentences in the group of chronic users. However, in contrast to the findings of other researchers, the hashish users did not have organic psychoses, nor did they differ from control subjects in neurologic signs or EEG and echo encephalogram patterns.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Observations on the evolution of the hysterical symptomatology.

A retrospective study of the records of 17,571 psychiatric patients who attended the out-patients department of Eginition Hospital in Athens during three two-year periods (1948-50, 1958-60 and 1969-71) revealed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of patients diagnosed as suffering from hysteria, a statistically significant decrease in the relative frequency of patients with hysterical fits and with mental conversion symptoms, and a statistically significant increase in the relative frequency of patients with mixed conversion symptoms. The findings confirm the notion that hysteria is still a 'woman's disease', although a statistically significant increase in male participation was noted. The significance of the above findings for the understanding of certain aspects of hysteria is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy of late onset. A separate type of motor neuron disease?

The clinical, electrophysiological and muscle biopsy findings of 7 cases with a peculiar form of X-linked hereditary degenerative motor neuron disease are presented. It is suggested that the disease might be a separate clinical entity with the following characteristics: (1) sex-linked recessive inheritance, (2) unusual but not invariable late onset, (3) slow progression, (4) facial-bulbar and proximal spinal muscle involvement, (5) consistent fasciculations, sometimes massive and more pronounced about the lips, chin and tongue, (6) fine tremor of the hands, (7) muscle cramps usually preceding the other symptoms, and (8) gynaecomastia as a frequent but not a constant feature.

Action Potentials↗