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Biomedical subjects

G Gaillard

Publications and source records attributed to G Gaillard.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Fetal lactic dehydrogenase variation in normal pregnancy and in cases of severe intra-uterine growth restriction.

Physiological and pathological fetal levels of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), including its five different iso-enzymes are still poorly known. Our objectives were to compare total LDH levels and its five iso-enzymes between a control group of healthy fetuses and a group of fetuses with severe intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), and to determine the biochemical associations and the prognostic value of elevated LDH activity in fetuses with IUGR. Total LDH levels, haematologic values and liver enzyme activities were measured in 108 healthy fetuses from 17 to 37 weeks of gestation and in 44 fetuses with severe IUGR. Total fetal LDH in plasma from the healthy fetuses were constant throughout pregnancy (mean (SD)= 305.09 (46.97)). Total LDH values in plasma significantly increased in cases of IUGR (p=0.003), and the degree of increase was significantly correlated with fetal erythroblastosis (n =44, r=0.80, p<0.001). LDH 5 significantly decreased in the IUGR group (p=0.03). Total LDH values strictly above 400 IU/l (a value equal to the mean+2 SD in the healthy fetus group) were found to be significantly associated with thrombocytopenia (p<0.001), erythroblastosis (p=0.008) and an increase in AST value (p=0.03). These results suggest that the fetal LDH value in plasma is a useful biological marker for severe chronic distress.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed1998

Prenatal diagnosis by FISH of a 22q11 deletion in two families.

We report on prenatal diagnosis by FISH of a sporadic 22q11 deletion associated with DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) in two fetuses after an obstetric ultrasonographic examination detected cardiac anomalies, an interrupted aortic arch in case 1 and tetralogy of Fallot in case 2. The parents decided to terminate the pregnancies. At necropsy, fetal examination showed characteristic facial dysmorphism associated with congenital malformations, confirming full DGS in both fetuses. In addition to the 22q11 deletion, trisomy X was found in the second fetus and a reciprocal balanced translocation t(11;22) (q23;q11) was found in the clinically normal father of case 1. These findings highlight the importance of performing traditional cytogenetic analysis and FISH in pregnancies with a high risk of having a deletion.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1994

Serum erythropoietin in small for gestational age fetuses.

Serum erythropoietin (Epo) concentration was compared prenatally in adequate (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. Fifty-four percutaneous umbilical blood samplings were paired with maternal blood and assessed for Epo, hematocrit and reticulocyte count. Seventeen fetuses were growth-retarded (SGA) on the basis of ultrasonic biometry and birth weight. Controls (AGA; n = 37) underwent cordocentesis for risk of toxoplasmosis, maternal age or malformations (CNS, GI, heart). No cytogenetic abnormality or infections was found in the 54 fetuses. Linear and polynomial regressions were fitted to determine correlations between parameters. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison between groups. Gestational age at sampling was similar in AGA and SGA. The SGA fetuses had a higher Epo concentration than controls (p < 0.001). Fetal AGA Epo increased significantly throughout pregnancy (p < 0.01) but did not correlate with maternal Epo (p > 0.05). An inverse correlation was found between fetal reticulocyte count and Epo concentration (p < 0.02). The mechanism of high Epo level in SGA fetuses may involve low pO2 and hemoconcentration.

Erythropoietin↗
PubMed1994

An experimental evaluation of an AIDS educational intervention for WIC mothers.

The purpose of this study is to determine which of two educational approaches have the greater effect on the AIDS/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and attitudes of women participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. A modified version of the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) 1989 Health Risk Survey was administered to 217 women, who were then randomly assigned to either a control group receiving the usual written material, a nurse-educated group, or a videotape-educated group. The questionnaires were repeated immediately after and 2 months after the intervention. Chi square, Kruskall-Wallis ANOVA, and a repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis. Ninety-five percent of the subjects were black and the mean age was 25.8 years (+/- 5.9). The control group had significantly lower (p < or = 0.003) AIDS knowledge scores at both posttests, with the lowest knowledge level at 2 months. The videotape group had a greater (p < or = 0.048) intent to reduce risky behaviors at the initial posttest. Tolerance towards AIDS patients was significantly (p < or = 0.025) greater in the videotape and nurse groups. Both videotape and nurse education programs increased knowledge and influenced attitudes and behavioral intent. The more efficient videotape program had similar effects as the nurse program, and may be more generalizable to other populations.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

[PS2 as a prognostic factor in 1065 cases of human breast cancer. A multicenter study].

pS2 protein assay was performed with Elsa-pS2 kit (CIS-Biointernational) on a group of 1,065 patients with operable breast cancer who underwent breast surgery in the years 1982 through 1990. The median follow-up was 57 months. This group included exclusively infiltrating ductal carcinoma with primary surgery. Age mean was 58 yr; T0-T1, 33.6%; T2-T4, 66.4%; Differentiation grade I, 29%; node negative, 53%; estrogen receptor (ER) positive, 62.4%; progesterone receptor (PR) positive, 55.2%; mean tumor size, 2.4 cm; local recurrence, 5.2%; metastasis, 17.5%. pS2 values varied from 0.1 to 707 ng/mg of cytosol protein (median, 5.6; mean 24.5; 95th percentile 112 ng/mg p). There was no significant relationship between the mean level of pS2 and age, tumor size, nodal status, whereas pS2 was related to histological grade (P < 10(-3)), ER (P < 10(-5)), and PR (P < 10(-5)). By using 2 ng/mg p as pS2 cutoff, 77/391 (19.7%) of ER+PR+ tumors were pS2-, and 122/345 (35.4%) of ER-PR-tumors were pS2+; with this cutoff, a strong relationship existed between pS2 and overall survival, but not between pS2 and relapse-free survival. With Cox multivariate analysis, pS2 protein was classified after lymph node status, histological size, ER, differentiation grade, age, clinical stage, PR. In patients with axillary lymph node involvement (N+), pS2 status could discriminate between good and bad prognosis, specially for patients with small tumors (< 2 cm) and with less than seven invaded nodes. This study showed that pS2 protein was a poor prognostic factor in comparison with classical factors.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed1994

[Prognostic value of beta-2-microglobulin in Hodgkin disease in young adults].

From 1977 to 1989, we measured serum beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) levels from 64 unselected and untreated patients, between 18 to 50-year-old, affected by Hodgkin's disease. Serum beta 2-MG level was measured by radioimmunoassay (Phadebas beta 2 microtest). Then, all patients received a chemotherapy such as MOPP or alternating MOPP/ABVD followed or not by radiotherapy. Elevated serum beta 2-MG level (> 2.4 mg/l) is associated with advanced stage disease (stage III-IV), presence of systemic symptoms and bulky tumor. Nevertheless, a multivariate analysis shows that the serum beta 2-MG level is the most significant prognostic indicator for disease free survival. The prognostic value of serum beta 2-MG is demonstrated for myeloma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma. A few authors have evaluated the prognostic impact of serum beta 2-MG in Hodgkin's disease. This study requires confirmation by multicentric and prospective trial.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

An evaluation of a school-based AIDS/HIV education program for young adolescents.

This study evaluated the efficacy of a school-based AIDS/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education program on 6th and 7th grade students. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design, a control group and an education group (intervention I) received both pretest and posttest questionnaires and a second education group (intervention II) was posttested only. Students were evaluated using a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control's Health Risk Survey. Students who received AIDS education were less likely (p < or = 0.0001) than the control group to report that they had changed their behavior to avoid getting AIDS, but thought they had a greater (p < or = 0.0002) chance of acquiring AIDS as an adult. In the intervention I group, males who had never received prior AIDS instruction were more worried about acquiring AIDS as an adult (p < or = 0.013). In the intervention II group, the education had a significant impact on the level of knowledge about AIDS/HIV infection (p < or = 0.0003) and the degree of tolerance toward students with AIDS (p < or = 0.0008), but the effect was not greater than the learning that occurred in the other 2 groups from testing alone. Students who were pretested were also less worried that they had been exposed to AIDS (p < or = 0.0001), more worried that they would die if they acquired AIDS (p < or = 0.05), and less likely to think AIDS patients should be isolated (p < or = 0.0005). Although this AIDS education program appeared to be moderately successful in this group of younger adolescents, significant learning also occurred fro testing alone.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Findings from the preparticipation athletic examination and athletic injuries.

This study investigated the relationships between the findings from a standardized preparticipation athletic examination, the sport played, and athletic injuries requiring treatment by a physician and/or requiring the athlete to miss one or more games. Of public high school students receiving a preparticipation athletic examination during the 1989-1990 academic year, 674 (56%) either completed a telephone interview or returned a mailed questionnaire at the end of the academic year. The sample consisted of 408 (60.5%) blacks and 243 (36.1%) whites; 470 (69.7%) of the subjects were males. The subjects ranged in age from 13 to 20 years (mean +/- SD, 16.1 +/- 1.2 years), and participated in at least 10 school sports. Injuries were reported by 29.5% of the athletes. The highest proportion of athletes injured occurred among male football (36.3%), female basketball (33.3%), male baseball (19.4%), male soccer (17.2%), and female track and field (15.8%) participants. Responses by the athletes and their parents on the standardized health history were significantly associated with injuries in several specific areas. Knee injuries were associated with previous knee injuries, knee surgery, and history of injuries requiring medical treatment. Ankle injuries were associated with previous ankle injuries and previous injuries requiring medical treatment. Both arm and other leg injuries were associated with previous fractures. Male athletes with either abnormal knee or ankle findings from the physical examination were more likely to injure the knee or ankle, respectively. However, the sensitivities and positive predictive values of these relationships are weak. These data suggest that the preparticipation athletic examination may not predict certain athletic injuries and that additional prevention efforts for specific body areas of injury are needed in certain sports.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

An evaluation of a school-based AIDS/HIV education program for high school students.

The effect of a 1-hr school-based AIDS/HIV education program on the knowledge and attitudes of high school students was evaluated with a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control Health Risk Survey. One urban and one suburban school each were randomly assigned to an educational intervention (n = 535) or a control group (n = 659). All students received a posttest 2 weeks after the intervention. Knowledge was based on responses to 12 true-false questions (pretest alpha = .76, posttest alpha = 0.81). Principal components analysis was used to develop three attitude scales and risk-taking behavior was assessed by self-report. Data were analyzed with Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate ANOVA. The groups did not differ in knowledge level at pretest. At posttest the education group had significantly (p < or = 0.006) higher knowledge even after controlling for the effects of previous AIDS education (p < or = 0.019), gender (p < or = 0.007), and Hispanic ethnicity (p < or = 0.048). After the education program, students were less worried about exposure to the AIDS virus, but were more worried (p < or = 0.048) about AIDS acquisition during their adult life. Although single school-based AIDS/HIV education programs may increase knowledge, more extensive education may be needed to change the behavior and attitudes of older high school students.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

High school students' knowledge of HIV/AIDS and perceived risk of currently having AIDS.

Factors associated with AIDS knowledge and perceived risk of currently having HIV infection among adolescents were examined. A modified version of the Centers for Disease Control's Health Risk Survey was administered to 11th and 12th grade students (N = 2,483) in homerooms from nine schools in one southeastern community. Knowledge was based on cumulative responses to 12 questions. Many adolescents incorrectly answered seven questions. Based on multivariate analysis of variance, lower AIDS knowledge was associated with no prior school-based AIDS education (p less than or equal to 0.0001), previous IV drug use (p less than or equal to 0.0001), male gender (p less than or equal to 0.0001), and being Black or "other" ethnic group (p less than or equal to 0.0001). Based on interaction effects, Hispanics not receiving AIDS education in school (p less than or equal to 0.0001) and Black and "other" ethnic group IV drug users (p less than or equal to 0.0011) had a lower AIDS knowledge. When controlling for AIDS knowledge level (p less than or equal to 0.0001), higher perceived risk of current infection with HIV was associated with previous IV drug use (p less than or equal to 0.0001) and male gender (p less than or equal to 0.0001). However, previous IV drug users who never received AIDS education (p less than or equal to 0.0001) or were from Black or "other" ethnic group (p less than or equal to 0.008) had higher perceived risks of presently having HIV infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Adolescents' attrition from school-sponsored sports.

This study investigated reasons for adolescents' attrition from school-sponsored sports teams and the relationship between attrition and intention to participate in organized and nonorganized sports in the future. Of 674 high school student athletes, 26% dropped off at least one team in 1989-1990, and overall attrition increased to 29.8% when attrition from more than one sport was considered. Attrition was higher among black students, students reporting an athletic injury, those injured playing football, and those sustaining a knee injury. Injury was cited as the most frequent reason for attrition, followed by being cut from the team, "other reasons," needing to get a job, inconvenient game or practice schedule, and needing more time to study, although the main reason for attrition also varied by sport. When athletes were classified according to externally precipitated attrition, athlete-initiated attrition, or completion of the sports season, no differences were noted in the three groups' intent to engage in organized sports in the future. However, the group with externally precipitated attrition expressed a stronger intent to engage in nonorganized sports in the future than the other two groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Leukotriene B4 in hemodialysis.

Leukotrienes are eicosanoids arising from arachidonic acid via 5 lipooxygenase, an enzyme essentially present in leukocyte cells. Leukotriene B4 might be an indicator of neutropolymorphonuclear leukocyte activation when there is contact with artificial membranes. The level of plasmatic leukotriene B4 was measured at three different times during the hemodialysis treatment in several patients undergoing dialysis on three different membranes (one cellulosic and two synthetics). A moderate increase of leukotriene B4 was observed early (at 15 min), comparable among the three membranes, but levels returned to baseline at 180 min. Leukotriene B4 production proved leukocyte activation and was probably related to a direct interaction with dialysis membrane. Nevertheless, complement intervention could not be excluded. Leukotriene B4 is one molecule more among the group of inflammatory mediators produced during hemodialysis treatment.

Acrylonitrile↗