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Biomedical subjects

D Brune

Publications and source records attributed to D Brune.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

The ICOH and IUPAC international programme for establishing reference values of metals.

In cooperation with the ICOH Scientific Committee on the Toxicology of metals and IUPAC Commission on Toxicology, we have developed evaluation criteria for derivation of reference values for metal concentrations in human tissues and fluids. In a first attempt to illustrate how these criteria may be used, tentative reference values for mercury in human blood were derived. For persons who do not eat fish, a mean value of 10 mumol/1 (2 micrograms/1) was suggested. It was pointed out, however, that this value was based on information that did not meet the desired quality requirements, which, unfortunately were not met by any of the published reports.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Prostate cancer treated by radiotherapy: a multivariate study.

According to respective proportions of evolutive status groups, results of multivariate studies are difficult to interpret. Among the 1099 cases of local form of prostate cancer, treated by radiotherapy from 1975 to 1982 in 16 French Anticancer Institutes, we can observe two homogeneous status groups of patients: disease-free survivors (285 cases) and patients who died of prostate cancer (278 cases). These correspond to 51% of the whole population. Among other things, they are comparable in size, for age at the beginning of radiotherapy and for delay between histologic diagnostic and radiotherapy. We chose to analyse them using multivariate analysis. To take survival into account, we used a Cox model and Kaplan-Meier curves; the group deceased of prostate cancer was further analyzed by a tree-structured regression method. The Cox model and the Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed two main explicative factors: Stage (p < 0.0001) and tumor grade (p < 0.001). Poorer evolution occurs in extracapsular forms and grade I has better survival than others. The tree-structured regression method indicates two other pejorative factors: hormonotherapy prior to radiotherapy and the presence of cardiovascular pathology. Though the pelvic dose does not appear to be a main explicative factor, it seems to improve survival and delay between radiotherapy and recurrence or metastasis in some categories of cases. Other factors such as tumor dose, age and delay between diagnosis and radiotherapy were not found to be significant. These results cannot be extended to the whole population for which they do not constitute a predictive study. We consider them as "baseline data".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1991

A review of normal concentrations of mercury in human blood.

The present survey is a critical review and quality grading of 98 publications in the international scientific literature presenting mercury concentrations in human whole blood, blood cells and plasma of individuals who have not been occupationally exposed to mercury ("normal values"). Most of the papers reviewed were published after 1976 and were found in the Medline database. Additional information has been obtained in response to requests addressed to scientists with high reputation from different parts of the world working in the field of trace element analysis. The evaluation system includes separate grade scales for sampling and chemical analysis. In no case were the requirements justifying the highest Grade 1 i.e. superior quality, fulfilled. Most reports suffered from various degrees of a lack of information concerning description of individuals, diet, experimental design or analytical and statistical treatment. Nineteen papers were rejected because of insufficient information or obvious erroneous sampling or analytical treatment (Part I). The influence on blood mercury level of various non-occupational exposures, particularly fish consumption, but also medication with mercury-containing drugs, presence of amalgam restorations, etc., has been surveyed. The levels have been systematized according to such parameters. The evaluated and systematized data have been stored in a PC database "Tracy", which includes information about concentrations of total, inorganic or organic mercury in whole blood, blood cells or plasma. Mercury in maternal-cord blood is also included. One hundred and thirty-two data sets from 79 reports were included in the database (Part II). Because of the shortcomings of the available information, only tentative reference values for mercury in whole blood, blood cells and plasma were established (Part III). There is an obvious need for additional high-quality data.

Humans↗
PubMed1988

Multielemental assay of tissues of deceased smelter workers and controls.

Concentrations of 23 elements in lung, liver and kidney from deceased smelter workers are compared with those from rural and urban controls. The analyses were made by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Significantly higher levels of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lanthanum, lead and selenium were found in the smelter workers lungs (n = 85) compared with the rural controls (n = 15). Significantly higher concentrations of antimony, arsenic and lead were observed among all smelter workers compared with urban controls (n = 10). The highest increase, about 11-fold, was found for antimony in smelter workers compared with non-exposed controls. A six-fold increase was noted for arsenic. Workers who died from lung cancer (n = 7) had the lowest lung selenium content relative to concentrations of other metals, both compared with other disease categories among the workers (GI-cancer, other cancers, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, other causes) and with the two control groups. The low lung selenium concentrations may have influenced the development of lung cancer. The highest lung tissue levels of cadmium were found in the lung cancer group. Smokers and ex-smokers were over-represented in this group and tobacco is a known cadmium source. The highest, or one of the highest, lung values for some of the other metals (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, lanthanum and lead) were observed in one or several of the lung cancer cases. Metal concentrations in liver (metabolism) and kidney (excretion) reflect the systemic distribution. The highest cadmium levels in the liver and the lowest selenium content in the kidney were found among the lung cancer cases. A multifactorial genesis for the development of lung cancer is concluded from this study, which visualizes the need for systematic health surveillance and follow-ups both in active and retired workers.

Aged↗
PubMed1988

(3,6-Dimethyl-3,6-diazaoctan-1,8-dithiolato-S1,N3,N6,S8)oxotechnetium(V) pertechnetate.

[TcO(C8H18N2S2)]TcO4, Mr = 484.2, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 7.447 (2), b = 16.952 (8), c = 12.236 (3) A, beta = 99.63 (2) degrees, V = 1523 (1) A3, Z = 4, D chi = 2.112, Dm = 2.09 (1) Mg m-3, lambda(Mo K alpha) = 0.71069 A, mu = 2.06 mm-1, F(000) = 952, T = 295 (1) K, final R = 0.071 for 2496 significant reflections and 173 parameters. The Tc atom is bound to the oxo group and the N and S atoms of the complex ligand in a rough square pyramid. The Tc atom lies 0.770 (3) A out of the S,N,N',S' plane. This plane is significantly distorted such that N and N' lie nearly 0.25 A out of the plane on opposite sides. The Tc-S bonds [2.238 (3), 2.266 (3) A] are short but other bond lengths and angles are normal.

Models, Molecular↗
PubMed1988

Radiation therapy of carcinomas of the skin of nose and nasal vestibule: a report of 1676 cases by the Groupe Europeen de Curiethérapie.

A retrospective multicentric analysis of the results of irradiation of 1676 carcinomas of the skin of the nose and nasal vestibule was performed by the Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie (Tunis, May 1986). Overall local control was 93% with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Local control is dependent on the tumor size (diameter less than 2 cm: 96%, 2-3.9 cm: 88%, greater than or equal to 4 cm: 81%), and tumor site (external surface of the nose: 94%, vestibule: 75%). Local control was independent of histology for smaller tumors, but for those larger than 4 cm, basal cell carcinomas were more frequently controlled than squamous cell carcinomas. Recurrent tumors are less frequently controlled than those being treated for the first time (88 vs. 95%). There were few complications and cosmetic results were generally satisfactory. The results of implantation, orthovoltage and megavoltage irradiation are compared with respect to local control, complication rate and cosmesis. Implantation is usually the treatment of choice for vestibular tumors but for those of the external surface the choice depends on the tumor diameter. Implantation and orthovoltage irradiation are equivalent for tumors less than 2 cm. For those from 2 to 3.9 cm, the results of orthovoltage irradiation may be satisfactory in a selected population but implantation is usually more suitable for tumors with rapidly changing contour.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Is prophylactic para-aortic irradiation worthwhile in the treatment of advanced cervical carcinoma? Results of a controlled clinical trial of the EORTC radiotherapy group.

From November 1977 to July 1981, 441 patients with cervical carcinoma were randomized between pelvic irradiation and pelvic and para-aortic irradiation. Included were patients with stage I and IIB with proximal vaginal and/or parametrial involvement with positive pelvic lymph nodes either on lymphangiogram or at surgery, and stage IIB with distal vaginal and/or parametrial involvement and III regardless of pelvic node status on lymphangiogram. Patients with clinically or surgically involved para-aortic nodes were not included. The external beam dose to the para-aortic area was fixed at 45 Gy. There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms in terms of local control, overall distant metastases and survival with no evidence of disease (NED), although the incidence of para-aortic metastases and distant metastases without tumor at pelvic sites was significantly higher in patients receiving pelvic irradiation alone (pelvic group). The 4-year NED survival rate was 51%. The incidence of severe digestive complications was significantly higher in patients receiving para-aortic irradiation (para-aortic group). Routine para-aortic irradiation for all high risk patients with cervical carcinoma is of limited value, but patients with a high probability of local control can benefit from extended field irradiation, despite an increase in severe digestive complications.

Aorta↗
PubMed1987

[Rational choice of a diagnostic test for the detection of bone metastases in breast cancer as a function of prevalence (based on the Bayes theorem)].

Since 1976 to 1978 inclusive, 465 patients with primary breast cancers underwent whole body analogical scintiscans, 456 numerical scans, and 453 were X-rayed. Ninety per cent received axillary node ablation, 62% presented adenopathies of which a third were capsular ruptures and 54% were T3 and T4. In 53 patients, the presence of metastasis was estimated by clinical evaluation. In 38 patients, metastasis were confirmed. Probability for the patient to present metastasis when the test is positive, is: P (M/T +) = Se.p/(Se.p) + (1-p) + (1-p) (1-Spe) Probability when the test is negative is: P (M/T -) = p(1-Spe)/p(1-Se) + (1-p)Spe p = prevalence Se = sensibility Spe = specificity Performance of the test is the probability of obtaining a correct result is: P = (f1) - (f2) = (f3) The (f3) curves were plotted for each of the three tests. For a prevalence of 11% (clinical estimate) the X-ray or analogical scintiscans tests achieve the same performance, but that for a prevalence of 8% (exact number) the radiological examination yields the best. In two cases, numerical scan is better.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1986

[Para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the surgical evaluation of ovarian cancer].

Lymph node involvement was demonstrated by para-aortic lymphadenectomy in 6 out of 20 women treated for ovarian cancer with macroscopically limited lesions at first and second-look laparotomy. When added to those reported in the literature, these results suggest that 20% of stages I and II ovarian cancers involve the lymph nodes, which considerably influences the prognosis and treatment of cancers otherwise considered as limited. We therefore suggest that biopsy of the lumbar aortic lymph nodes should be systematically performed in the surgical evaluation of ovarian cancers at an early stage.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1986

Distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc in lung, liver and kidney in long-term exposed smelter workers.

Increased mortality due to various malignancies is reported from long-term exposed, non-ferrous smelter workers. In the present study the post-mortem distribution of cadmium, lead and zinc in lung, liver and kidney is reported and related to exposure and mortality. The study involved 86 male copper smelter workers who died after April 1975. Lung samples were taken from all workers and liver and kidney samples were taken from about one-quarter of the workers. Two control groups were used. The exposed workers were divided into six groups based upon diagnoses in medical records and autopsy protocols. Lead and zinc were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and cadmium by neutron activation analysis. For the skewly distributed tissue levels, non-parametric statistical processing was used. Of the workers, 53% died from cardiovascular diseases and 30% from malignancies (8% from lung cancer). Cardiovascular diseases predominated in the two control groups: about 75 and 100%, respectively. Lung and liver cadmium concentrations were significantly higher in the lung cancer group of smelter workers than in the other groups of smelter workers (p less than 0.05) and rural controls (p less than 0.01). Cadmium in kidney, and lead in lung and liver were significantly higher (p less than 0.03) in the lung cancer group than in rural controls, but did not differ from that of the other workers. Zinc in lung, liver and kidney did not differ between exposed workers and controls. Rather strong Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients were found between the cadmium content of lung, liver and kidney tissue, especially in non-smoking smelter workers and rural controls. Smoking was more common in the lung cancer group than in the total group of smelter workers. Cadmium levels in the lungs of exposed workers were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) in smokers than in both ex-smokers and non-smokers. Earlier studies of the same workers gave significantly lower selenium levels in lung tissue compared with other groups of smelter workers and controls. As other carcinogenic substances are present in the working environment, e.g. arsenic, chromium and benzo [alpha]-pyrene, the specific effect of cadmium in the development of lung cancer cannot be evaluated at present.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Metal release from dental biomaterials.

Levels of corrosion products released from dental alloys in natural or synthetic saliva, i.e. from amalgams, cobalt, gold, nickel, iron, or titanium based alloys have been surveyed. The amounts of Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ti or Ni released from such alloys, either in vitro or in vivo during animal tests or during clinical usage have been compiled. The quantities released have been adapted to a 'standard restored man' with a specified number of restorations or a specified construction with a defined surface area, and compared to man's food and drink intake of similar elements. This was done as one approach to a security analysis of wearing dental alloys. In view of the assessment of extensive corrosion testing using electrochemical methods, rather scarce information seems presently available pertinent to release kinetics of specific elements in various biological environments like saliva or saliva substitutes. Several examinations indicate that mercury released from amalgams could be a substantial part of man's daily intake of this element, e.g. in the initial period following insertion, as well as on a long-term basis. From a copper amalgam cadmium could be released in vitro in amounts close to food and drink intake. The mercury release from the amalgam surface seems to be strongly influenced by the interaction of mechanical forces, e.g. chewing, and seems to be released according to a cyclic pattern. From a base metal alloy with high nickel content nickel could be released in vitro at the same level as from food and drink intake. However, from cobalt based alloys the nickel release seems insignificant in this context. The elemental release from the other alloys seemed to be far below the intake of similar elements from food and drink. Release under static and dynamic conditions has been discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Selenium and other trace elements in lung tissue in smelter workers relationship to the occurrence of lung cancer.

In summary lower selenium concentrations were found in the lung cancer group compared to other smelter workers and controls. The two lowest selenium values in the total material were found in two of the lung cancer workers. This is in agreement with earlier reports of lower blood selenium levels in cancer patients (Willett et al 1983, Salonen et al 1984). An increased cancer incidence has also been found in geographical areas with low selenium contents in forage crops (Shamberger et al 1976). Numerous animal experiments have demonstrated an anticarcinogenic effect of selenium. Our conclusion is that selenium might have a protective effect in occupational exposure against at least certain carcinogens causing lung cancer. Looking at the dominant worksites the workers have obviously been exposed to different concentrations of selenium over the years. As selenium has not been particularly under observation, few dust analyses are available, and so the dust load in exposed workers cannot be directly calculated. The excretion rates show individual differences. In three of the seven lung cancer cases we noted that, despite a considerable and continuous exposure to selenium in the course of their work, they had low selenium concentrations in their lung tissue at the time of death. Two other workers in the lung cancer group had also been working at worksites with considerable exposure to selenium. Raised cadmium levels were noted in the lung cancer group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1985

Man's mercury loading from a dental amalgam.

The release of mercury from an amalgam surface in natural saliva during cyclic loading, as well as under static conditions, simulating the clinical conditions of chewing and rest, has been studied using a nuclear tracer technique. Cyclic loading strongly promoted degradation of the amalgam surface in the saliva environment. Corrosion products were found to be loosely bound on the amalgam surface and could be removed by brushing similar to toothbrushing. Most of the mercury released from the surface was present in amalgam particles, produced during the cyclic loading procedure. The daily release of ionic mercury was estimated to be approximately 3 micrograms/cm2, according to the model experiment. Extrapolating the present findings to clinical conditions, man's ionic mercury intake from dental restorations may be at the same level as the total mercury intake from food and drink.

Dental Amalgam↗
PubMed1985

Corrosion of a stainless steel with low nickel content under static conditions.

The pattern of selective release of chromium, iron and molybdenum from a non-prepassivated ferritic stainless steel, with the designation SS 2326 and a nickel content of 0.3%, has been measured in artificial saliva under static conditions using nuclear tracer and ESCA techniques. The ICP-method was used to detect nickel which was found only in one case. The release rate of chromium, iron and molybdenum showed a strong time-dependent decrease as a consequence of chromium enrichment in the surface. This was shown by ESCA-measurements. This kinetics is characteristic for a passivating alloy i.e. self passivation. In view of the low nickel content of the SS 2326 steel compared to conventional stainless steel, the material may possess potential for use as a dental or orthopaedic biomaterial.

Chemical Phenomena↗