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Biomedical subjects

H Cohen

Publications and source records attributed to H Cohen.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Feasibility of prenatal hearing test.

Variability in foetal responses to sound stimulations is described and the effect of the different factors involved in this reactivity, in particular the physical characteristics of the stimulus and state of alertness of the foetus, is discussed. Results obtained with a high pass filtered pink noise at a 106, 109 and 113 dB SPL on 37-40 week foetuses are given to illustrate this dependency. For all tested levels, responsiveness was reduced after repetition of the stimulus. This was observed even at 113 dB when stimulation was preceded by a series of lower level stimuli to which foetuses were (or became) unresponsive. Motor responses (lower limb movements) were the first and the most affected by stimulus repetition, followed by cardiac response decrement--but with a lower proportion of non-responses, especially at 113 dB. Consequently, with this specific stimulus, cardiac reactivity seems a more reliable parameter to examine when more than one stimulus is needed to ascertain foetal hearing. It was also demonstrated that foetuses were much less reactive when stimulated during low heart rate variability sequences than during high heart rate variability. Testing of prenatal hearing seems feasible in utero and should be a promising method for detecting gross hearing impairment once the influence of each biophysical parameter has been carefully studied.

Female↗
PubMed1985

Medical aspects of environmental pollution. Environmental incidents in the Netherlands 1980-1984.

In the Netherlands since 1980, 16 situations have been identified in which man might be exposed to environmental pollutants. This paper provides an overview of these incidents and describes how health risk assessments, public studies and provision of individual medical toxicological care are dealt with. The importance of involving general practitioners and other primary health care personnel at an early stage is stressed.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1985

[In vivo evaluation of the effect of antacids and H2 receptor blockaders on the intragastric pH in gastric and duodenal ulcer].

The aim of this work is to establish the best treatment for patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer, by measuring the effects of antiacids and H2-receptor antagonists on gastric pH. 16 patients were studied: 9 of them had a duodenal ulcer, 2 a gastric ulcer and 5 had both. All the patients remained fasting and receiving no drug for 24 hrs. During this 24 hrs., a nasogastric tube was inserted into the stomach and the gastric content was obtained by aspiration each hour from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. Three days after, each patient received a daily dose of 1 g of Cimetidine, and the whole procedure was repeated. The same was done with 300 mg of Ranitidine daily, 150 ml of Al-Mg antiacids daily, and at last, the same procedure was performed with the association of Ranitidine and Al-Mg antiacids at the mentioned dosage. For the statistical analysis of the data, the mean ordinate of the pH was used as a representative value of each individual's pH. Individual differences (pH with treatment minus pH without treatment) were obtained. The mean effect of each treatment was obtained averaging that differences. For comparison among different drugs, the same procedure was used. Student's paired t tests were performed in a signification level. The buffering capacity was measured in the following way: The percentage of the gastric secretion samples with pH equal or higher than 4 in each treatment and in the total number of patients was confronted with the results obtained in the same patients with no treatment. All the drugs were useful for buffering the gastric acidity, but in different intensity. The association of Ranitidine and Al-Mg antiacids showed to be the most efficient statistically when compared with Cimetidine and Al-Mg antiacids; no statistical difference appeared in the comparison with Ranitidine.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Phosphatidylglycerol in amniotic fluid. Value of rapid determination using an immunologic technic].

We have studied 55 samples of amniotic fluid taken by amniocentesis from 32 women, most of whom had arterial hypertension, with or without intra-uterine growth retardation; with or without uncertainty as to their dates. Fetal pulmonary maturity was estimated by determining the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and the levels of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in 55 samples. The semi-quantitative levels of PG were worked out using a simple and rapid immunological method. Our results show that there is a good correlation between the two tests. The level of PG is, however, more specific than the L/S ratio, for which we found some false negatives. In particular, there were 7 samples looked at 48 hours before delivery which showed an L/S ratio lower than 2 and a PG at or above 2 micrograms/ml. None of these 7 had hyaline membrane disease. Furthermore the simplicity and speed of this test make it possible to use it routinely.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1985

[The importance of HLA antigens in alcoholic cirrhosis].

The existence of a relationship between HLA and the possibility of the development of an alcoholic cirrhosis is researched in this paper. This work was done from 1982 to 1984, by the staff of four clinics of the Medicine School of the University of Uruguay. We studied 47 alcoholics with portal cirrhosis, 19 non-cirrhotic alcoholics and 250 healthy nonalcoholic controls. We confirmed with liver biopsy the cirrhosis in the first group and in the second, liver biopsy was performed in order to assure that they had no cirrhosis. Table I shows the histocompatibility antigens which were tested in the 3 groups. Levels of significance were obtained from exact Fisher test with Yates correction for discontinuity; Pc (corrected P) and RR (relative risk) were also determined. In the alcoholics with portal cirrhosis, the HLABW40 showed a Pc less than 0,005 (RR = 3,93). In the non-cirrhotic alcoholics no significative association was found. We conclude that the carrier of the genetic marker HLABW40, has almost 4 times more chances to develop a cirrhosis as consequence of chronic alcoholic abuse. The presence of this marker, in our patients, has no association with the possibility that an individual becomes an alcoholic abuser. We think that if this data are confirmed in a wider study, some guidelines for the prevention of alcoholic cirrhosis may be established.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Localized edema with soft toric contact lenses.

Soft toric contact lenses had provided a good correction for this patient for 3 1/2 years. An acute episode of slightly decreased vision and lens discomfort was accompanied by corneal irritation, edema, irregular distorted keratometric mires, and a change in refractive cylinder. It is of interest that the areas of most corneal disturbance were in continuous apposition to the areas of most deposits on the non-rotating toric contact lenses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Prolactin receptors in the rat mammary gland. Change during the estrous cycle.

Ovine prolactin (o-PRL) binding to mammary gland membranes was studied during the estrous cycle in the rat. Groups of rats were decapitated throughout the 4-day estrous cycle at 10 h00 on the days of diestrus I, diestrus II and estrus and at 10 h00, 12 h00, 16 h00 during the day of proestrus. Daily vaginal smears were taken to determine the stage of the estrous cycle which was also controlled by PRL and LH serum levels. Prolactin receptors were quantified in the 100 000 g pellet. For one Scatchard analysis, mammary gland membranes from 5 animals were pooled. Results given are the mean of 4 or 5 pools. Results obtained showed that the apparent affinity constant (KA) remained unchanged during the days of diestrus II and at all the times studied of proestrus and showed a slight but significant decrease on the days of estrus and diestrus I (or metestrus). The binding capacity did not vary from the day of diestrus II to the proestrus 16h00 (11.3 +/- 2.8 fmoles/mg protein) but sharply increased on the day of estrus (190.4 +/- 35.9 fmoles/mg protein). Binding capacity remained elevated on the day of diestrus I. This increase of PRL receptors on the day of estrous would appear to be an important step in preparing mammary gland for pregnancy and lactation.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Primary activation of cytosolic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene in fetal rat liver and the biogenesis of its mRNA.

The primary appearance of phosphoenolpyruvate (P-pyruvate) carboxykinase RNA transcripts in fetal liver was induced by a number of different stimulii . This may occur as rapidly as an hour after injection in utero of N6,O2'-dibutyryl-adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (Bt2cAMP) to fetuses, suggesting that all stimulii predominantly affect activation of the P-pyruvate carboxykinase gene. Bt2cAMP treatment induces the appearance of the enzyme RNA transcripts, predominantly of the mature type in the cytoplasm. However, insulin deficiency by streptozotocin treatment causes the appearance of large-size as well as mature mRNA in the nucleus, in addition to the appearance of P-pyruvate carboxykinase mRNA in the cytoplasm. Insulin treatment of such diabetic fetuses, prior to causing the disappearance of P-pyruvate carboxykinase mRNA, reduces nuclear transcripts but increases the abundance of mature cytoplasmic enzyme mRNA. Bt2cAMP treatment of insulin-deficient fetuses causes an additive effect, increasing the abundance of not only the mature but the large P-pyruvate carboxykinase RNA transcripts as well. The results are best interpreted as insulin acting both to inhibit transcription of and accelerate post-transcriptional processes affecting P-pyruvate carboxykinase RNA.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Prolactin receptors in the hypoprolactinemic male rat (IPL nude rat): measurement in testis and induction in liver.

In order to evaluate the importance of PRL in the regulation of its own receptors, characteristics of specific binding for PRL were studied in membrane preparations from liver and testis of a new hypoprolactinemic male rat, the IPL nude male rat, and this was compared to those found for normal male rats. Under basal conditions, hepatic specific binding of PRL in IPL nude rats, as in normal rats was not detectable. Following castration, it became detectable in both groups, and was 6.99 +/- 0.78% and 6.34 +/- 0.87% for IPL nude and normal rats respectively. Under such conditions, the apparent affinity constant (Ka) and the binding capacity (Nmax) obtained were also similar for both groups (Ka) = 1.36 +/- 0.14.10(9) M-1, Nmax = 102 +/- 14 fmol/mg protein in IPL and Ka = 1.34 +/- 0.28.10(9) M-1, Nmax = 97 +/- 11 fmol/mg protein in normal rats) although a decrease in serum levels of PRL was observed in both groups. This decrease was greater for IPL nude rats. As already reported, estradiol injection following castration was able to further increase the percentage of PRL hepatic specific binding (4 times). Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the affinity constant was significantly increased by estradiol injection in both groups. On the other hand, for testicular PRL binding characteristics, a statistically significant difference was found between IPL nude and normal rats. The PRL specific binding percentage was 7.01 +/- 0.85% for the IPL nude rat and 10.07 +/- 0.64% for the normal rat. By Scatchard analysis, the Ka of testicular membranes for labelled oPRL was similar in both groups, while the capacity differed (Nmax = 9.82 +/- 1.25 fmol/mg protein for IPL nude rat and Nmax = 26.06 +/- 4.39 fmol/mg protein for normal rats). These data established the fact that IPL nude male rats presented characteristics of hepatic PRL receptors similar to those of normal rats, while their testicular oPRL binding significantly differed. These findings therefore suggest that in genetic hypoprolactinemic rats (IPL nude rats), PRL might be more involved in the regulation of testicular PRL receptors than in that of hepatic receptors.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Immune response of mice to ingested Toxoplasma gondii: a model of toxoplasma infection acquired by ingestion.

SWR/J mice perorally infected with the Me49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii developed thymic cortical atrophy, clusters of epithelioid cells and plasma cells in lymphoid tissue, and hepatic inflammation during the first month after infection; the inflammation subsequently decreased. Antibody to T gondii was present in serum on day 14 after infection, reached a maximal titer by one month, and remained at this titer for five months. Splenic lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to concanavalin A was depressed for one month but returned to normal in most mice by two months. Splenic lymphocyte blastogenesis in response to toxoplasma antigens (stimulation index, greater than or equal to 1.6) developed in one-third of mice after two months of infection but did not develop in others even after five months of infection. Peritoneal macrophages had an enhanced microbicidal capacity against T gondii from 14 days until five months after infection. Peroral administration of the Me49 strain of T gondii was lethal for Beige-C57BL/6J and C57BL/6J mice; these strains of mice showed the most extensive changes, necrosis, thrombi, and many trophozoites in tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Spurious hyperglycaemia--a hazard of finger prick blood glucose estimation.

Two diabetic patients presented in coma to the accident and emergency department. Although they were hypoglycaemic, the initial blood glucose reagent strip readings were high. We postulate that glucose contamination of their fingers occurred and resulted in spuriously high readings. A small survey highlights the problems resulting from such contamination. Correct handling of blood glucose reagent strips is stressed and we advise venous blood samples in all diabetic emergencies presenting to the accident and emergency department.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

Therapy of Waldenström's benign hypergammaglobulinaemia by regular plasmapheresis.

A patient with a 20-year history of Waldenström's hypergammaglobulinaemic purpura has over that time developed increasingly troublesome clinical symptoms of purpura and joint swelling, associated with a progressive increase in the level of polyclonal IgG. These symptoms have been controlled by the use of a regular plasmapheresis regime and associated with a reduction in IgG levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Effects of human pancreatic tumor growth hormone-releasing hormone (hpGRH1-44-NH2) on immunoreactive and bioactive plasma growth hormone in normal young men.

Synthetic human pancreatic tumor GH-releasing hormone (hpGRH 1-44-NH2) was given by iv bolus injection to 10 normal men at doses of 75, 150, 300, and 600 micrograms. At all doses the plasma GH responses were similar in an individual subject. Among subjects, however, the responses were significantly different, with peak GH concentrations ranging between 9.0 micrograms/liter and 54.9 micrograms/liter. The GH released in response to GRH was bioactive in the Nb2 lymphoma cell multiplication assay. The circulating GH 30 and 60 min after GRH was detected in 3 molecular forms corresponding to little, big, and big-big GH. These forms averaged 50%, 30%, and 20% of the total immunoreactive GH, respectively. The mean rise of plasma somatomedin-C, from 1.86 U/ml to 2.21 U/ml 24 h after GRH, was not statistically significant. A small but statistically significant GRH dose-dependent rise in plasma PRL (mean PRL concentrations 10 min after 600 micrograms GRH, 11.13 micrograms/liter occurred consistently after GRH injection. The evidence that the GH released by GRH is bioactive supports the potential use of GRH for therapeutic applications.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Diabetes mellitus in the aetiology of Dupuytren's disease.

In controlled clinical studies of adult diabetics a 42% incidence of signs of Dupuytren's disease was found. The incidence was highest in the older patients with a longer history of diabetes, but was not related to the severity of the diabetes. The features of Dupuytren's disease in the diabetics has a distinctive pattern, being more severe in men than women and, compared with controls, having a radial shift towards the middle finger. The disease was mild and of benign prognosis, rarely needing operation. In a further study, 13% of patients with Dupuytren's disease were found to have a raised blood glucose level. The question is posed as to whether the biochemical disturbance causes the Dupuytren's disease or whether the pattern of inheritance predisposes to both Dupuytren's disease and diabetes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

[Primary-purpose peridural analgesia in labor induction].

21 parturients, showing in most of cases either high blood pressure badly controlled or a "real" out of date term, have undergone a peridural analgesia of first intention in labour induction. All these patients were considered to be uninducable according to Bishop score. After an injection of adrenalinized bupivacaïne, either 0.25% or 0.375% rupture depending on state of cervix of membranes occurred in most cases 6 hours after peridural analgesia. The mean between onset of analgesia and delivery was 17 h and the mean time between induction with ocytocin to birth 5 h 37 min. 16 parturients gave birth per vaginam, 9 of which spontaneously 5 have undergone caesarian section because of a non lack of dilatation or foetal distress. Children at birth, at the 2nd and the 24th hour were all healthy.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗