Biomedical subjects

E Hardy

Publications and source records attributed to E Hardy.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Risk factors for tubal sterilization regret, detectable before surgery.

Brazil has one of the highest prevalence rates of female surgical sterilization in the world. At the same time there is an increased demand for sterilization reversal. In order to understand which women tend to later request reversal of the procedure, a case-control study was carried out comparing 216 women who requested reversal with sterilized women who did not, paired by year of surgery. The relative risk of requesting reversal for women sterilized before age 25 was 18 times that of women sterilized after age 29. The elevated risk remained even after controlling for a number of variables present at the time of surgery. Multiple regression analysis showed that request for reversal was associated with younger age, less information about the procedure, and fewer contraceptive methods known before sterilization. These results support the recommendation that women should be fully informed about the tubal ligation procedure and have access to other contraceptive options before being sterilized.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Nephrogenic adenoma of the bladder in renal transplant recipients: a report of 9 cases with assessment of deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy and long-term followup.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the outcome of nephrogenic adenoma, a benign tumor rarely encountered in renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1985 and 1993, 9 renal transplant recipients with a nephrogenic bladder adenoma removed by endoscopic resection were followed for 24 to 88 months (mean 40). Tumor deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was assessed by flow cytometry at diagnosis and/or relapse. RESULTS: The relapse rate was 88%. The tumors were diploid and of low proliferating potential, and showed no malignant transformation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the lack of premalignant potential of nephrogenic adenomas. However, since transplant recipients might be at increased risk for bladder cancer, they should be followed closely.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1996

Evaluation of the home pad test in the investigation of female urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the home pad test in the management of patients with urinary dysfunction with reference to feasibility, normal data, reproducibility, compliance and accuracy when compared to video urodynamics. DESIGN: A prospective study to determine 1. the accuracy of weighing pads by healthcare workers compared to weighing by patients with a spring balance; 2. the effects of evaporation; 3. the pad weight increase in continent women; 4. the compliance over 194 tests in terms of acceptability and feasibility; 5. the reproducibility in 112 women for the 24 h and 48 h tests, 6. the comparison with video urodynamic studies in 149 patients. SETTING: A London teaching hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Coefficient of variation and mean deviation analysis were employed to determine the accuracy of measurement. Percentage changes in standardised wet pad weights over a period of 8 weeks were used to determine the rate of weight loss due to evaporation. The percentage of patients completing the test satisfactorily was documented. The increase in the weights of all pads worn during the test period was measured in continent volunteers and incontinent patients. Video urodynamic diagnoses were used as the Gold Standard for comparison. RESULTS: Twelve perineal pads were weighed by 15 healthcare workers with a resulting coefficient of variation equal to 1.55% (standard error = 0.09%). The mean deviation between patient-measured pad weights and staff-measured weights was 49% (SD = 132%). Pads wetted with saline showed no difference in weight after 1 week and less than 5% change in weight after 8 weeks, with the upper 95% confidence limit of less than 10% loss. The mean pad weight increase over 48 h in continent women was 7.13 g (SD = 4.32 g) giving a 95% upper confidence level of less than 15 g. Compliance was reasonably high with 161 (83%) carrying out the test perfectly. Test-retest analysis of the 24 h and 48 h tests showed a strong relationship with correlation coefficients of 0.90 and 0.94 respectively. The reproducibility was also good, with differences as a percentage of the mean between the first and second test being 6.9% and 1.6% for the 24 h and 48 h tests respectively. There was good concordance when the urodynamic study data was compared with pad weight data in terms of incontinence compared with no incontinence (kappa = 0.65), but a high false positive rate was detected for the pads. When eight of these patients with a false positive pad test had repeat video urodynamic studies, six were found to have detrusor instability on the second study. CONCLUSIONS: The home pad test combined with frequency volume chart documentation is an easy test to perform. It is quite robust and reasonably reproducible. This test should be added to complement the routine urodynamic tests and may have a role in detecting occult detrusor instability.

Female↗

PubMed1996

Regulation of histamine H1 receptor coupling by dexamethasone in human cultured airway smooth muscle.

1. The regulation of histamine-induced [3H]-inositol phosphate and intracellular calcium responses in human cultured airway smooth muscle cells was studied. 2. Histamine induced concentration-dependent [3H]-inositol phosphate formation (EC50 4 microM). This response was inhibited by a range of selective H1 receptor antagonists but not by the H2-selective antagonist, tiotidone or the H3 receptor-selective antagonist, thioperamide, indicating that an H1 receptor is involved in this response in human cultured airway smooth muscle cells. 3. Preincubation of human cultured airway smooth muscle cells with concentrations of dexamethasone > 10 nM for 22 h produced concentration-dependent inhibition of histamine-induced inositol phosphate formation. The maximum inhibition observed was 45% of the response in control cells. The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone was itself reversed by prior exposure to the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU38486 (10 microM). Preincubation for 22 h with 1 microM dexamethasone produced inhibition of the inositol phosphate response to histamine to all concentrations of histamine inducing significant inositol phosphate formation in these cells. In contrast, the response to the G protein activator, NaF (0.1-20 mM) was unaltered by preincubation with dexamethasone. 4. Preincubation of human airway smooth muscle cells with 1 microM dexamethasone for time periods of < 6 h failed to inhibit histamine-induced inositol phosphate formation in human airway smooth muscle cells. 5. Histamine also induced concentration-dependent elevation of intracellular calcium levels in Fura 2-loaded human airway smooth muscle cells. This response was inhibited by preincubation with 1 microM dexamethasone. 6. We conclude that signal transduction through the H1 receptor in human airway smooth muscle is subject to regulation by dexamethasone and that this may in part account for the protective effect of dexamethasone against spasmogen-induced contractile responses in the airways.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

PubMed1996

[Difficulties encountered in gathering information on illegal abortion in the population of women].

Any attempt to study the practice of illegal abortion faces the problem of asking women about a delicate, sensitive issue that has many implications. This may make it difficult to obtain truthful information on the subject. Results related to methodological aspects are emphasized and their possible association with variables included in a cross-sectional study carried out among 1,955 women, of 15 to 49 years of age is analysed. The frequency and conditions under which induced abortion was performed in a region of S. Paulo State are investigated. The women were interviewed at home using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Most of the women interviewed declared they had never had an abortion nor had they thought of having one, and four percent referred to having had an induced abortion. However, another 16.7 percent said that they had taken tea or medicine at least once to bring on their menses. In this group, most of the women who thought they were pregnant at that time said they had had never an abortion, in spite of having bled after drinking tea or medicine. The results lead to the conclusion that women tend no omit information on the practice of abortion when questioned directly. This is especially true of those who use oral means to bring on their menses and who seemed not to consider this a way of inducing an abortion.

Abortion, Illegal↗

PubMed1996

[The discussion on induced abortion in the Brazilian Congress: the role of the women's movement]

Induced abortion has been discussed in Brazil for many years without producing changes in the Penal Code in force since 1940 and according to which it is illegal and a crime against life. There are only two circumstances in which induced abortion is allowed: when there is no other recourse for saving the pregnant woman' life, and when the pregnancy resulted from rape and the abortion is preceded by the woman's informed consent. The purpose of this article is to show how the abortion problem has been dealt with under executive and legislative policies, focusing especially on discussion in Congress considering the role of organized women's groups. The study focuses on the legislative debate on induced abortion and how it was preceded, accompanied, and followed by actions by the women's groups. Other political and social actors involved in the debate, such as the Catholic Church, sectors of the medical community, and protestant religions are mentioned.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1996

Platelet reactivity in vitro in relation to thromboxane in healthy pregnancy.

There is substantial evidence of increased platelet reactivity in vivo and in vitro during pregnancy. Previous in vitro studies suggest that platelets from pregnant women show increased sensitivity to agonists, the response to which has a thromboxane dependent component. The aim of this study was to determine whether this is due to increased activity of the thromboxane biosynthetic pathway or to increased platelet sensitivity to the effects of thromboxane. During pregnancy, platelets were more sensitive to the pro-aggregatory effects in vitro of the thromboxane mimetic U46619, in whole blood and in platelet rich plasma, compared to those from non-pregnant controls. The difference in extent of U46619-induced platelet aggregation between groups was abolished in the presence of a high concentration of the specific thromboxane antagonist ICI 192605, but not by prior incubation of blood with aspirin. Platelets from pregnant women were significantly less sensitive to inhibition of arachidonic acid induced activation by the thromboxane synthetase inhibitor dazmegrel, but there was no change in platelet cyclic AMP accumulation under these conditions. Arachidonic acid induced platelet thromboxane B2 production was similar in pregnant and non-pregnant subjects. In conclusion, platelets are more sensitive to the activating effects of thromboxane during pregnancy, but there is no change in the intrinsic reactivity of the thromboxane biosynthetic pathway.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗

PubMed1995

HIV replication in IL-2-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells is driven in an autocrine/paracrine manner by endogenous cytokines.

Replication of HIV is regulated by virus-encoded regulatory proteins, as well as by a variety of cellular factors including cytokines. In the present study, we have investigated the autocrine/paracrine effects of endogenous cytokines on HIV replication in primary PBMCs of healthy HIV seronegative individuals. Addition of rIL-2 to cultures between 0 and 72 h after isolation of PBMCs allowed the replication of primary HIV isolates and laboratory-adapted HIV strains to levels comparable with or greater than those obtained in parallel cultures of autologous PHA-blasts. In this regard, both major cellular targets of HIV infection, CD4+ T lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, were maintained for several weeks in IL-2-stimulated PBMC cultures and virion production was observed in both cell lineages. The kinetics of secretion of several cytokines (such as TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and IFN-gamma), as well as expression of cellular activation markers, paralleled HIV replication in IL-2-stimulated PBMCs. Endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokines and IFN-gamma played a major role in the regulation of HIV replication in IL-2-stimulated PBMCs, as determined by the ability of several anti-cytokine Abs or antagonists to suppress HIV production; this was not the case in parallel cultures of autologous PHA-blasts. Thus, IL-2-stimulated PBMCs may represent a more physiologic in vitro system than PHA-blasts for the study of HIV infection and replication, and should prove useful in investigating the role of cytokines and other host factors in the regulation of HIV production.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1995

Double staining of coomassie blue-stained polyacrylamide gels by imidazole-sodium dodecyl sulfate-zinc reverse staining: sensitive detection of coomassie blue-undetected proteins.

The sensitivity, simplicity, and relative rapidity of Coomassie blue staining have made this technique the method of choice for routine detection and quantitative analysis of gel electrophoresis-separated protein bands in many applications. To extend the usefulness of this technique, we have developed a new double-staining method for visualizing SDS-PAGE-separated protein bands that were undetected by Coomassie blue staining of the gel. Coomassie blue-stained gels are washed in distilled water (15 min, two times) and then subjected to imidazole-zinc reverse staining. As a result of the method, a homogeneous white-stained background is generated and two types of protein bands can be observed: (a) typical Coomassie blue-stained bands, which appear superposed on larger transparent bands; and (b) reverse-stained (transparent) bands, which were previously undetected by the Coomassie blue staining. The method is rapid, simple, and reproducible and double-staining gels can be kept in distilled water for months without loss of the protein pattern. The overall sensitivity is high (e.g., 1.6 ng for recombinant streptokinase, 47 kDa) over a wide range of protein molecular weights (10 to 100 kDa) and independent of the degree of Coomassie blue destaining of the gel. Furthermore, a mechanism offering a consistent explanation for the role of imidazole, SDS, and zinc in the reverse staining of gels, particularly after Coomassie blue staining is proposed.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

PubMed1995

Single-step electrotransfer of reverse-stained proteins from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel onto reversed-phase minicartridge and subsequent desalting and elution with a conventional high-performance liquid chromatography gradient system for analysis.

Isolation of proteins from polyacrylamide electrophoresis gels by a novel combination of techniques is described. A given protein band from a reverse stained (imidazol-sodium dodecyl sulfate--zinc salts) gel can be directly electrotransferred onto a reversed-phase chromatographic support, packed in a self-made minicartridge (2 mm in thickness, 8 mm in internal diameter, made of inert polymeric materials). The minicartridge is then connected to a high-performance liquid chromatography system and the electrotransferred protein eluted by applying an acetonitrile gradient. Proteins elute in a small volume ( < 700 microL) of high-purity volatile solvents (water, trifluoroacetic acid, acetonitrile) and are free of contaminants (gel contaminants, salts, etc). Electrotransferred proteins were efficiently retained, e.g., up to 90% for radioiodinated alpha-lactalbumin, by the octadecyl matrix, and their recovery on elution from the minicartridge was in the range typical for this type of chromatographic support, e.g., 73% for alpha-lactalbumin. The technique was successfully applied to a variety of proteins in the molecular mass range 6-68 kDa, and with amounts between 50 and 2000 pmol. The good mechanical and chemical stability of the developed minicartridges, during electrotransfer and chromatography, allowed their repeated use. This new technique permitted a single-step separation of two proteins unresolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis due to their different elution from the reversed-phase support. The isolated proteins were amenable to analysis by N-terminal sequencing, enzymic digestion and mass spectrometry of their proteolytic fragments. Chromatographic elution of proteins from the reversed-phase mini-cartridge was apparently independent of the specific loading mode employed, i.e., loading by conventional loop injection or by electrotransfer.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effect of octreotide and erythromycin on idiopathic and scleroderma-associated intestinal pseudoobstruction.

Treatment of chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction with prokinetic agents has been disappointing. Our study was designed to determine if octreotide and erythromycin would provide sustained relief from nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating in pseudoobstruction. Using gastrointestinal manometry, quantitative parameters of the activity front of the migrating motor complex at baseline and after prokinetic therapy with erythromycin and octreotide were determined in 14 patients with intestinal pseudoobstruction who had nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating. Patients were treated with erythromycin and octreotide for 20-33 weeks. Octreotide increased the frequency, duration, and motility index of activity fronts (AFs) from 1.2 +/- 0.3 AFs/4 hr, 2.7 +/- 0.7 min, and 85 +/- 23 min mm Hg to 4.1 +/- 0.8 AFs/4 hr, 5.5 +/- 0.7 min, and 152 +/- 24 min mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.05). Antral activity was decreased from 63 +/- 14 to 23 +/- 8% by octreotide (P < 0.05). Erythromycin induced antral activity; however, small intestinal motor activity was suppressed. While on erythromycin and octreotide, five patients had long-term improvement of nausea and abdominal pain. All responders had at least 5 AFs/4 hr induced by octreotide. We conclude that octreotide and erythromycin relieve abdominal pain and nausea in pseudoobstruction. Patients who have at least 5 AFs/4 hr after octreotide administration are most likely to clinically respond.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

From birth control to reproductive health.

During the 1960s birth control was seen as the only means of curbing the very rapid population growth that resulted from decreased mortality without a parallel decrease in fertility. Birth control was considered such a priority that the means used to achieve it were not always respectful of human rights, and, for the same reason, it did not work as expected. During the 1970s and 1980s, birth control policy was re-evaluated. Concepts such as the need to balance birth control with socioeconomic development, to avoid target-oriented programs that imposed particular contraceptive methods on people, to integrate contraceptive services within a comprehensive women's health care program, and to emphasize the importance of quality of care became accepted. This led to the understanding that a reproductive health care approach was a more efficient way to achieve people's wellbeing and, at the same time, to reduce fertility. The need for greater dialog between women/clients and men/providers is emphasized.

Brazil↗

PubMed1995

Longitudinal studies of platelet cyclic AMP during healthy pregnancy and pregnancies at risk of pre-eclampsia.

1. Platelet behaviour in vitro in relation to cyclic AMP was studied longitudinally during pregnancy and in the same women when they were not pregnant. Subjects comprised a group of healthy primigravidae and a group of women deemed at risk of pre-eclampsia, on the basis of a previous history of the condition. 2. There was a progressive decline during pregnancy in sensitivity of platelets to inhibition of the arachidonic acid-induced release reaction by agents which act via cyclic AMP. This effect was maximum at 36 weeks' gestation. 3. Basal platelet cyclic AMP levels, and those in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, did not change throughout the period of the study. 4. By contrast, platelet cyclic AMP accumulation in response to a variety of adenylate cyclase stimulators was reduced from early pregnancy, throughout the gestational period, compared with post-natally. This effect was noted when platelets were incubated with prostaglandins acting via different surface receptors or with forskolin and was most marked on co-incubation with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. 5. Compared with healthy women, platelets from women with a previous history of pre-eclampsia tended to accumulate less cyclic AMP in response to adenylate cyclase stimulators. This was the case both during pregnancy and post-natally. Further investigation of adenylate cyclase activity in platelets in relation to pre-eclampsia is required.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

PubMed1995

Magnesium modifies the responses of platelets to inhibitory agents which act via cAMP.

This study has investigated the interaction of raised extracellular magnesium and agents which act via cAMP with respect to inhibition of platelet aggregation and effects on platelet cAMP accumulation. Iloprost (3 ng/ml) and PGD2 (0.2 microgram/ml) each caused time dependent increases in platelet cAMP which were significantly greater in the presence of 3 mM added MgSO4 (p < 0.01). Addition of ADP (5 microM) resulted in a fall in cAMP which remained higher in the presence of MgSO4 (p < 0.01). Forskolin (5 micrograms/ml) and DN9693 (100 microM) also caused increments in platelet cAMP but these responses were not influenced by added MgSO4. Addition of ADP resulted in a further increase in cAMP which was augmented by MgSO4 (p < 0.03). This increase was abolished by adenosine deaminase (1.2 U/ml). These experiments show that MgSO4 can modify the cAMP responses produced by iloprost and PGD2 and by forskolin and DN9693 when ADP is present. It appears that as well as inhibiting, ADP can also stimulate cAMP production under certain experimental conditions. This appears to be due to breakdown of ADP to adenosine.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1994

Enhanced ELISA sensitivity using TCA for efficient coating of biologically active lipopolysaccharides or lipid A to the solid phase.

A new simple, reproducible and sensitive ELISA that uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the coating of lipooligosaccharide (LOS), smooth lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipid A to the solid phase has been developed. The experimental parameters (temperature of coating, time of coating, antigen concentration and TCA concentration) were evaluated by a complete factorial design (2(4)). As a result of the evaluation, two main coating procedures were developed. In one, LOS was shown to coat efficiently in 0.2% TCA, at 37 degrees C, when incubated for only 30 min. In the other procedure, LOS in 0.2% TCA was coated at 37 degrees C for 16 h. The slower procedure proved, as expected, to be even more efficient than the former. The new ELISA was compared to three previously reported ELISAs, and showed the greatest sensitivity, probably, as a consequence of the higher coating efficiency of LOS to plates. The biologic activity of LOS was not modified by the low TCA concentration used, as proven by retention of its biological activity in the induction of procoagulant activity in blood mononuclear cells. We conclude that small amounts of biologically active LOS/LPS or lipid A can be coated on solid surfaces by this approach to achieve a rapid and economical assay procedure.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

[Flow cytometry and digestive pathologies].

Flow cytometry provides rapid evaluation of nuclear DNA content and cell cycle analysis. The major applications of flow cytometry in gastroenterology are the evaluation of DNA content and proliferative indices as prognostic indicators of gastrointestinal malignancies, and the screening of premalignant conditions of the digestive tract.

Digestive System Diseases↗

PubMed1994

Effects of nitric oxide donors in vitro on the arachidonic acid-induced platelet release reaction and platelet cyclic GMP concentration in pre-eclampsia.

1. Platelet activation in vivo occurs in healthy pregnancy and is more pronounced in pre-eclampsia. 2. This study has investigated: (i) the inhibitory potency of the nitric oxide donors 3-morpholinosydnonimine and sodium nitroprusside, on the platelet release reaction in vitro in non-pregnant, healthy pregnant and pre-eclamptic women; (ii) the concentration of cyclic GMP during incubation of washed platelets with sodium nitroprusside in a separate group of non-pregnant, healthy pregnant and pre-eclamptic women. 3. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of sodium nitroprusside, in the presence of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, for inhibition of the platelet release reaction was lower in the pre-eclamptic subjects than in the non-pregnant subjects (P < 0.05). 4. Several of the pre-eclamptic women were studied again postnatally. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of sodium nitroprusside and 3-morpholinosydnonimine were higher in the postnatal than in the antenatal sample (P < 0.02). 5. Peak platelet cyclic GMP responses to sodium nitroprusside were significantly higher in the pre-eclamptic women than in the healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women. 6. These results suggest that platelets are more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of nitric oxide donors in pre-eclampsia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

[Current characteristics associated with a history of induced abortion].

For the purpose of analysing the association between selected current socio-demographic characteristics and the history of induced abortion, 138 students of a Brazilian university, who had been pregnant at least once, were studied. These students were identified from among the 937 who returned, by mail, a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire distributed to all the female undergraduates. The subjects were divided into two groups, those who had and those who did not have a history of induced abortion. It was found that the largest percentage of women who had already had an induced abortion were of less than 24 years of age, were not living in marital union, had no religious affiliation and no living children at the time of the study. Analysis by logistic regression showed that having no living children was the only current characteristic associated with having had an induced abortion.

Abortion, Induced↗