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Biomedical subjects

M Bar

Publications and source records attributed to M Bar.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Expression of p53 and coexistence of HPV in premalignant lesions and in cervical cancer.

Fifty-four paraffin embedded tissue sections from patients with dysplasia (21 cases) and with cervical cancer (33 cases) were analysed. HPV was detected and identified in two stages. Firstly, using mixed starters, chosen genomic DNA sequences were amplified; secondly the material thus obtained was analyzed by hybridization method using oligonucleotyde 31-P labelled probe. HPVs of type 6, 11, 16, 18, 33 were identified. The p-53 expression was assayed by immunohistochemical method. HPV infection was often associated with dysplasia and cervical cancer. In cervical cancer mainly HPV 16 and 18 with high oncogenic potential were found. The p-53 was present rarely, and in minute quantities. No correlation was observed between presence of p-53 and HPVs DNA.

DNA Probes, HPV↗

Insulinoma after streptozotocin therapy for metastatic gastrinoma: natural history or iatrogenic complication?

Islet cell carcinoma frequently produces more than one chemical product, although its clinical expression is usually restricted to a single hormone. We describe an unusual patient who presented with full-blown metastasizing gastrinoma. He was treated with cimetidine for five years and then streptozotocin therapy, which resulted in a regression in hepatomegaly and a fall in serum gastrin levels. Following one year's therapy with streptozotocin, he was admitted in hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemic stupor. This appears to be the first reported case of a "shift" from clinical gastrinoma to insulinoma possibly related to prolonged streptozotocin therapy.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗

Bromocriptine blood levels after the concomitant administration of levodopa, amantadine and biperiden in Parkinson's disease.

We recently demonstrated that when different drugs (mainly used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease) are administered in combination they interfere with the availability of bromocriptine in the brain of rats (striatum and hypothalamus). In the present study performed with parkinsonian patients, we measured plasma levels of bromocriptine (RIA) over 4 h after giving orally 5 mg bromocriptine alone; together with levodopa 250 mg plus 25 mg DCI (10 patients); with 100 mg amantadine HCl (5 patients) and with biperiden 5 mg (5 patients). Amantadine and biperiden did not interfere with the pharmacokinetics of bromocriptine. However, levodopa significantly diminished plasma levels (a mean increment of 1.78 mg +/- 0.30 vs 0.92 +/- 0.18 mg/ml). We postulate that levodopa may interfere with the metabolism of bromocriptine in the liver. Although we did not observe substantial clinical differences among the patients (Webster scale), this study supports our previous findings and suggests that one of the advantages of combined treatment may result from a modification of the plasma levels of bromocriptine by levodopa. A "smoothing" of the plasma bromocriptine curve possibly avoids sudden oscillations of the drug availability and enables a more "stable" penetrability of the medication into the central nervous system.

Administration, Oral↗

The influence of levodopa in the pharmacokinetics of bromocriptine in Parkinson's disease.

The administration of bromocriptine in addition to levodopa in Parkinson's disease produces beneficial results. Several hypotheses have explained the advantage of the combined treatment by a pharmacodynamic interaction in the striatum. However, no study has considered the possibility that levodopa modifies the kinetics of bromocriptine. In the present study performed with parkinsonian patients, we measured blood levels of bromocriptine (by radioimmunoassay) at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min after the oral administration of bromocriptine alone and together with 250 mg levodopa plus 25 mg DCI. After loading of bromocriptine alone, we found mean peak levels at 60 min (1.42 ng/ml) and at 90 min (1.82 ng/ml). These values were reduced by levodopa (0.97 ng/ml at 60 min and 0.93 ng/ml at 90 min). Although we did not observe substantial clinical differences among the groups after the drug challenge (Webster scale), this study supports our previous findings and suggests that one of the advantages of a combined treatment may result from a modification of the plasma levels of bromocriptine by levodopa. A "smoothing" of the plasma bromocriptine curve possibly avoids sudden oscillations of the drug and enables a more "stable" penetrability of the medication into the central nervous system. Therefore long-term combined treatment is advised in preference to bromocriptine alone.

Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic↗

Psychological support to an autologous bone marrow transplant unit in a community hospital: a pilot experience.

Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation (AuBMT) has emerged as an efficacious treatment for certain hematological and solid tumors. Some of the complications of allogeneic transplants are avoided with an autologous transplant. Due to the decreased toxicity of this procedure, AuBMT can be administered at a community hospital where the setting is less burdensome for patients and families. The latter can continue to provide support for the patient as relocation is not necessary and visiting is easier. This report is a case analysis of the first 30 patients to undergo an autologous transplant as a pilot study in such an environment. This pilot project--done in a community hospital in Connecticut--may provide cost effective, high quality care in a more personal environment in the patient's own community. The different neoplastic diagnoses are listed as well as the types of psychological interventions available for these patients. Two case studies are described for clinical illustration. A discussion presents how psycho-oncology can assist the multidisciplinary team.

Adult↗