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Biomedical subjects

D Cloutier

Publications and source records attributed to D Cloutier.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Somatic stability of microsatellite loci in Eastern white pine, Pinus strobus L.

Variation at nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded microsatellite loci was studied among and within clonally propagated individuals of Eastern white pine. Total DNA was extracted and assayed from gamete-bearing tissue (megagametophytes) located on six different branch positions on each of 12 individual genets. No within-individual variation was observed among 12 loci studied. Estimates of numbers of mitotic cell divisions required to produce the tissue used as the source of genomic DNA were obtained by combining tree growth and anatomical data. This allowed for the calculation of upper bound estimates of numbers of mutations per locus per somatic cell division. The estimated somatic mutation rate was found to be substantially lower than those published for genomic microsatellite mutation rates in other plant species.

Genetic Variation↗
PubMed2001

Entrapment of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve exiting through the forearm fascia.

Isolated lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve entrapment syndromes are uncommon. This report describes the compression of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve of the forearm at the level of its passage through the superficial antebrachial fascia, distal to the elbow crease. Numbness and a painful dysesthesia over the radial aspect of the volar forearm were documented. Failure of conservative treatment necessitated surgical decompression.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Electroencephalographic responses to alcohol challenge in Native American Mission Indians.

BACKGROUND: Native Americans have some of the highest rates of alcohol abuse and dependence, yet potential central nervous system risk factors responsible for the problem drinking seen in some tribes remain relatively unknown. METHODS: Background electroencephalographic (EEG) variants and response to alcohol were investigated in 48 Native American Mission Indian men between 18 and 25 years old. RESULTS: Subjects with 50% or greater Native American heritage had a significantly higher proportion of low-voltage EEG variants. Within this sample of Mission Indian men, however, a family history of alcohol dependence was associated with a greater incidence of high voltage alpha EEGs. Mission Indian men also evidenced a "less depressant, more stimulating" response to alcohol as quantified by less alcohol-induced reductions in alpha, greater EEG stability, and increased alcohol-induced beta activity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that certain genetically regulated EEG variants that have been previously associated with risk for alcoholism in Caucasians may also be more common in these Mission Indian men. Additionally, EEG measures of response to alcohol do not provide support for the commonly held idea that Indians are more sensitive to the depressant effects of alcohol.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Are some of the effects of ethanol mediated through NPY?

Central administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in low concentrations has been shown to produce anxiolysis and suppression of locomotor activity, a behavioral profile not dissimilar to that of ethanol. The present study was conducted to ascertain whether NPY and ethanol have similar electrophysiological profiles and to evaluate the combined actions of NPY and ethanol. Eighty-five Wistar rats were stereotaxically implanted with electrodes aimed at dorsal hippocampus, amygdala, and frontal cortex. Rats were administered NPY [or saline (SAL)] intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) whereas the doses of alcohol (or SAL) were given intraperitoneally (i.p.). Two doses of alcohol (0.75, 1.5 g/kg) and two doses of NPY (1, 3 nmol) were given alone and in combination. Drug effects were assessed using event related potentials (ERP) recorded in response to an auditory "oddball" plus noise paradigm between 30 and 40 min post-drug. Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) revealed that NPY produced a significant decrease in the amplitude and increase in the latency of the N1 component in cortex and a decrease in the amplitude of the P3 component in amygdala, but no overall effects in hippocampus. Ethanol produced identical effects to NPY on the N1 and P3 components of the ERP in cortex and amygdala. Combined administration of EtOH and NPY (1 nmol) produced effects equivalent to those seen following the higher doses of NPY (3 nmol) or EtOH (1.5 g/kg). These studies demonstrate that NPY and ethanol have a similar electrophysiological profile. In addition, the combined administration of NPY and ethanol produced additive effects.

Amygdala↗
PubMed1998

Portal decompression by transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and changes in serum-ascites albumin gradient.

The serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is widely used to help determine the cause of ascites formation. A serum ascites albumin gradient of > or = 1.1 g/dL reliably distinguishes portal hypertension-related ascites from other causes. To date, there are no published data on the impact of portal decompression on this gradient. The recent development of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) allows for nonsurgical decompression of portal hypertension by radiologically creating a portosystemic shunt. This study examines the short-term impact of portal decompression on the serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) in patients with portal hypertension-related ascites undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Portal pressure measurements were obtained before and after TIPS placement. Serum ascites albumin gradient was determined before and at 6 and 24 hours post-TIPS placement. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. The mean portosystemic gradient (PSG) before TIPS was 21.0 +/- 9.2 mmHg, whereas the post-TIPS mean PSG was reduced to 11.0 +/- 6.3 mmHg, consistent with portal decompression (p = 0.005). The mean pre-TIPS serum ascites albumin gradient was 1.9 +/- 0.5 g/dL and was reduced to 1.7 +/- 0.5 g/dL at 6 hours (p = 0.003) and 1.4 +/- 0.4 g/dL at 24 hours (p = 0.002) after TIPS placement. These findings further solidify the association between the SAAG and portal hypertension.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Analysis of T cell receptor beta chain expression by isoelectric focusing following gene amplification and in vitro translation.

We describe a new approach to analysis of T cell receptor diversity based on isoelectric focusing of in vitro translation products of amplified V region genes. The method is illustrated by analysis of V beta 2 profiles in peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal donors. The primers used for V beta 2 analysis spanned the V-(D-)J junction and included the segment from amino acid residue position 53 in the variable region to residue 132 of the constant region. The isoelectric focusing patterns display approximately 13-14 bands of varying intensity. Differences in expression of V beta 2-derived peptides were detected in comparisons of the isoelectric focusing profiles from different individuals, suggesting that the method may be useful for detecting genetically determined, immune response related or disease associated differences in Tcr V region expression. The major isoelectric focusing bands have been interpreted as representing groups of V beta 2 sequences sharing J beta region and NDN region charge similarity. Quantitative differences were detected in V beta 2 profiles of CD4 and CD8 T cell subpopulations indicating there may be selection for different charge characteristics in NDNJ sequences in the two T cell subsets. The method provides a new dimension for the detection of perturbations in the T cell repertoire.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

[Problems and eradication of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. in Quebec in the urban and suburban environments].

Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a common weed in Canada and it is one of the most important source of aero-allergenic pollen in the north-eastern part of North America. It is a problem mostly along roads in urban or suburban areas. It is easily controlled by herbicides but their use is increasingly restricted because of environmental considerations. Therefore, new methods must be developed to control this weed. Three types of controls were evaluated against Ambrosia artemisiifolia along an expressway in the summer of 1990. The control methods were hand weeding, mowing at 2 cm, 5 cm, or 8 cm, and crushing by a roadroller. These treatments were done at different dates in the course of the summer. Hand weeding was the most effective in reducing pollen and seed production although it was also the most expensive. Mowing was very effective when it was done at a height of 2 cm from the soil. It is the only height at which seed production was significantly reduced. Mowing efficacy in reducing pollen production tended to decrease with the raising of the mowing blade. The efficiency of weed pulling or moving improved when they were performed later in the growing season. Crushing was not an effective method of control. Mowing or hand weeding cannot eradicate Ambrosia artemisiifolia but if they are consistently used, they could reduce its population level over several years by decreasing seed production. The treatments either eliminated pollen production or reduced it at least by 88%, thereby insuring a relative relief for people allergic to the pollen of this plant.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1991

Comparative endocrinological and clinical effects of percutaneous estradiol and oral conjugated estrogens as replacement therapy in menopausal women.

Sixty-three healthy post-menopausal women participated in the study aimed at determining the efficiency of percutaneous administration of estradiol (E2) giving physiological plasma levels of the estrogen to provide an efficient relief of climacteric and urogenital symptoms. Among these women, 31 had previous hysterectomy and were randomly allocated to one of the two estrogen replacement therapies while, similarly, the 32 women having an uterus were randomly divided between two groups who received in addition to estrogens, micronized oral progesterone. As estrogen, women received either E2 by percutaneous administration (Oestrogel) or oral conjugated estrogens (Premarin). With Oestrogel, serum E2 and estrone levels were within those seen during premenopause and showed a ratio close to 1.0. Climacteric symptoms were reduced or eliminated similarly in all groups. No changes was noticed on the concentration of serum angiotensinogen with Oestrogel therapy while a 2.5-fold increase was found in women receiving Premarin. As indicated by the 24-week endometrial biopsy, the progestational response induced by oral progesterone at the dose used was sufficient in twenty out of thirty-two women to cause endometrial atrophy, thus suggesting the need for higher amounts of micronized progesterone in a proportion of women. The present data also indicate that Oestrogel provides efficient relief of climacteric and urogenital symptoms without exerting any detectable effect on hepatic function while maintaining the ratio of serum E2/E1 at the physiological value of 1.0.

Administration, Cutaneous↗
PubMed1989

Characterization of allelic V kappa-1 region genes in inbred strains of mice.

Germ line genes encoding mouse Ig kappa-chains belonging to the V kappa-1 group have been isolated from BALB/c, NZB, and CE, three inbred strains of differing kappa haplotype. The V kappa-1A and V kappa-1C germ line genes isolated from BALB/c (Ig kappa c) were identical to those previously described. These are the two major V kappa-1 germ line genes in BALB/c and together account for 40 of the 53 expressed V kappa-1 sequences that have been reported to date. Allelic differences in a single germ line variable region gene (V kappa-1A) in different strains of mice explain the differences in L chain IEF patterns previously associated with the Ig kappa-Ef2 locus. The rearranged kappa-gene expressed in the BALB/c myeloma MOPC-460 has been isolated and found to represent a V kappa-1A somatic variant differing by three nucleotides from the germ line V kappa-1A gene. Germ line genes isolated from NZB (Ig kappa b) and CE (Ig kappa f) show greater than 95% identity with the BALB/c genes over the 1700 nucleotides compared. Comparison by region indicated the greatest conservation of sequence occurs in and around the leader exon followed by the V-region exon. The NZB gene encodes the amino acid sequence found in the myeloma PC-2205, previously designated V kappa-1B. The V kappa-1 gene isolated from CE is likely an allele of the BALB/c V kappa-1C gene as the two share greater than 96% identity over 1700 nucleotides. The CE gene has been designated V kappa-1Cf. Ancient remnants of LINE-1 repetitive elements were detected approximately 400 bp downstream of all of the V kappa-1 genes. These possess greater homology with repetitive elements found near other kappa genes than they do with the native L1Md sequence.

Alleles↗
PubMed1988

Metabolism of arachidonic acid through the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in normal human peritoneal macrophages.

Peritoneal macrophages (PM), obtained from 39 healthy women with normal laparoscopy findings, were stimulated with the ionophore A23187 or/and arachidonic acid (AA) both in adherence and in suspension. AA lipoxygenase metabolites were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. The major metabolites identified were 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), leukotriene (LT)B4 and LTC4. The 20-hydroxy-LTB4, 20-carboxy-LTB4, and 15-HETE were not detected. Incubations of adherent PM with 2 microM A23187 induced the formation of LTB4, 110 +/- 19 pmol/10(6) cells, 5-HETE, 264 +/- 53 pmol/10(6) cells and LTC4, 192 +/- 37 pmol/10(6) cells. When incubated with 30 microM exogenous AA, adherent PM released similar amounts of 5-HETE (217 +/- 67 pmol/10(6) cells), but sevenfold less LTC4 (27 +/- 12 pmol/10(6) cells) (p less than 0.01). In these conditions LTB4 was not detectable. These results indicate that efficient LT synthesis in PM requires activation of the 5-lipoxygenase/LTA4 synthase, as demonstrated previously for blood phagocytes. When stimulated with ionophore, suspensions of Ficoll-Paque-purified PM produced the same lipoxygenase metabolites. The kinetics of accumulation of the 5-lipoxygenase/LTA4 synthase products in A23187-stimulated adherent cells varied for the various metabolites. LTB4 reached a plateau by 5 min, whereas LTC4 levels increased up to 60 min, the longest incubation time studied. Levels of 5-HETE were maximal at 5 min, and then slowly decreased with time. Thus, normal PM, in suspension or adherence, have the capacity to produce significant amounts of 5-HETE, LTB4, and LTC4. The profile of lipoxygenase products formed by the PM and the reactivity of this cell to AA and ionophore A23187 are similar to those of the human blood monocyte, but different from those of the human alveolar macrophage.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Long-term study of the safety of the Dalkon Shield and Gyne-T 200 intrauterine devices.

Between 1971 and 1973, 200 Dalkon Shield and 142 Gyne-T 200 intrauterine devices (IUDs) were inserted at the department of obstetrics and gynecology in a large urban hospital. In 1984 retrospective analysis of events associated with the use of these IUDs was done. Hospital and clinic charts were reviewed, and the women were contacted to obtain information on infertility and the outcome of pregnancy after discontinuation of IUD use. The rates of events leading to discontinuation of IUD use 2 years after insertion were similar in the two groups except for that of planned pregnancy, which was higher in the Dalkon Shield users (p less than 0.05). The rates of accidental pregnancy per 100 women were 3.8 for the Dalkon Shield users and 1 for the Gyne-T 200 users. The rates of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) based on all cases of PID and follow-up information were similar in the two groups. There were no differences between the two groups in outcome of pregnancy with the IUD in situ or after expulsion or removal of the IUD because of planned pregnancy or other reasons. Infertility rates after discontinuation of IUD use were similar for the Dalkon Shield and Gyne-T 200 users. The results confirm the authors' opinion that the Dalkon Shield and Gyne-T 200 IUDs are safe and effective methods of intrauterine contraception.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Pregnancy after IUD use.

Much has been written about the risks of PID to IUD users, but very little about the subsequent fertility status of these patients. Is tubal infertility increased in an IUD user who has been asymptomatic? Does the addition of copper make the device harmless? Was the Dalkon Shield so harmful in the nulliparous woman? Our study (89 and 90% follow-up after 12-14 years) of 200 Dalkon Shield and 142 TCu-200 users allows us to answer 'No' to the three previous questions. We conclude that wearing an IUD per se does not cause infertility since all our patients who had IUDs removed for intended pregnancy did become pregnant; the addition of copper per se does not make an IUD safer although it does make it more efficient; the Dalkon Shield used in nulligravidas was not more dangerous than other types of IUD.

Female↗
PubMed1985

Creatine phosphokinase isoenzymes in human prostatic tissues: a comparison between benign hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma.

The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) into its three isoenzymes, MM, MB, and BB, in human prostatic tissue, in patients with benign hyperplasia (BPH) and adenocarcinoma. Specimens were obtained from 23 patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and 25 patients with benign hyperplasia. We also had the opportunity to analyze the CPK content in two normal prostates, the first from a 16 1/2-year-old boy and the second from a 9 1/2-year-old child. Our results showed prostate tissue to contain almost exclusively the BB isoenzyme with traces of the MB and MM dimers in both cancer and BPH as well as the specimen of normal prostate from the 16 1/2-year-old boy. As for the 9 1/2-year-old child, we found the following distribution: 39% MM, 21% MB, and 40% BB dimer. A comparison of the CPK-BB content in benign hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, we tried to correlate prostatic tissue CPK-BB levels with another possible tumor marker of the prostate, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) measured in the cytosol. No correlation was found between these two markers. We also studied the relationship of CPK-BB and PAP content in prostatic tissue to nuclear and cytosolic androgen receptor content in human prostatic tissue. We found some correlation between CPK-BB and androgen cytosolic receptors as well as between PAP content and androgen cytosolic receptors in patients with benign hyperplasia. No such correlation was found in the group with adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, this study does not show that the measurement of CPK-BB in the prostatic tissue could be used as an index of tissue malignancy.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1982

Biochemical indices of nutritional status in maternal, cord, and early neonatal blood.

The nutritional status of 556 infants born in good health was measured by selected biochemical parameters in maternal venous blood, in mixed arteriovenous cord blood at delivery, and in infant's capillary blood collected at 5 days. The determinations indicating nutritional status were: Hb, hematocrit, protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid, iron, calcium and magnesium. In maternal venous blood, a significant number of women were found to be deficient; 3.4% had Hb below 9.5 g/dl; 6.1% had hematocrit less than 30%; 4.0% had total protein below 5.5 g/dl; 7.0% had vitamin C below 0.20 mg/dl; 3.0% were deficient in iron (less than 40 microgram/dl), 3.6% in folic acid (less than 2.0 ng/ml) and 5.2% in calcium (less than 7.5 mg/dl). Significant correlations were more frequent between maternal and cord blood than in other comparisons. An influence of parity and maternal age was more evident for vitamin C in cord blood than in maternal venous blood. Iron in maternal and cord blood decreased in relation to parity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Effects of RU16117, an orally active weak oestrogenic compound, in postmenopausal women.

Daily oral administration of 1, 3 or 10 mg of RU16117 (11 alpha-methoxy ethinyl oestradiol) to normal postmenopausal women led to a progressive decrease of basal serum LH levels to 60.4 +/- 17.0, 35.1 +/- 9.1 and 20.1 +/- 2.8% of control (pretreatment values, P less than 0.01), respectively, after 4 wk of drug administration. Although the pattern was similar, the inhibitory effect of RU16117 was even more pronounced on FSH than LH levels: a 50% decrease of basal LH and FSH levels was obtained at the daily 1.8 and 1.2 mg doses of RU16117, respectively. No significant change of basal serum gonadotrophin levels was observed with the daily 0.3 mg dose. Administration of 1 mg of RU16117 every second day or 10 mg once a week led to a relatively small but significant (P less than 0.05) 20--25% decrease of basal serum LH levels after 4 wk of treatment in four out of five women. While daily 0.3 and 1.0 mg doses of RU16117 had no significant effect on the LH response to 100 microgram LHRH, the 3.0 mg dose delayed the response up to 90 min. The 10 mg dose, on the other hand, led to a markedly delayed and reduced response. Treatment for the same period (4 wk) with 1 mg RU16117 every second day or 10 mg once a week led to a small (20--25%, P less than 0.05) inhibition of the LH response to LHRH. At the dose of 10 mg once a week, RU16117 had no or minimal effect on endometrial histology. Since RU16117, an orally active weak oestrogenic compound, has been shown to have anticarcinogenic activity in the rat, the present findings suggest that this new steroid could be useful for the treatment of climacteric symptoms.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

Hair chromium at delivery in relation to age and number of pregnancies.

To test the hypothesis that chromium deficiency may be cumulative with age and increasing parity, hair chromium levels were measured in 432 women at delivery. Although the levels in general were lower than those found in nonpregnant women there was no correlation between hair chromium level and age or number of pregnancies. Hair zinc levels were also measured to rule out zinc deficiency as a factor.

Aging↗