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Biomedical subjects

M Henry

Publications and source records attributed to M Henry.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Percutaneous endoluminal treatment of iliac occlusions: long-term follow-up in 105 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of percutaneous recanalization techniques in occluded iliac arteries. METHODS: Percutaneous recanalization was attempted in 105 patients (97 men; mean age 56 years, range 34 to 80) with iliac occlusions using thrombolysis (n = 15), excimer laser (n = 4), mechanical thrombectomy (n = 16), balloon angioplasty alone (n = 23), and angioplasty plus stenting (n = 69). The majority of lesions (n = 72) were in the common iliac artery (CIA); 33 were in the external iliac artery (EIA). RESULTS: The primary recanalization rate was 88% (92/105) independent of location (EIA: 90%, CIA: 86%) and lesion length, but dependent on age of thrombus (< 3 months: 100%, > 3 months: 79%, p < 0.02). Complications included 5 (4.8%) cases of distal embolism treated by thromboaspiration or Fogarty balloon embolectomy. Seven (6.7%) early thromboses were treated surgically. Primary and secondary patency rates were calculated at 6 years for all 105 cases and for the 92 recanalized lesions using life-table analysis. Overall, primary patency was 52% (CIA: 58%, EIA: 34%) and secondary 66% (CIA: 74%, EIA: 40%). Lesions < 6 cm had a primary patency of 70%, while those > 6 cm had a 31% rate (p < 0.01). Secondary patencies were 86% and 42%, respectively (p < 0.01). Among recanalized lesions, the primary patency was 61% (CIA: 69%, EIA: 38%) and secondary 77% (CIA: 88%, EIA: 45%; p < 0.05). Lesions < 6 cm had a primary patency rate of 72%, while longer lesions had a primary rate of 44% (p < 0.04); secondary patencies were 89% and 59%, respectively (NS). Primary patency without stent was 57% and with stent 65% (NS); secondary patency without stent was 71% and with stent 82% (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous recanalization of iliac occlusions represents a true alternative to vascular surgery and a first-line treatment option. Stents have a tendency to improve long-term results and are recommended for routine use in chronic iliac occlusions.

Adult↗

Chest radiographic staging in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: relationship with immunological findings.

The question of whether a chest radiographic severity staging system could be correlated with standard blood/serum diagnostic indices in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was addressed in 41 patients. Asthma and positive Aspergillus fumigatus (AF) serology were considered essential diagnostic inclusion criteria. Eosinophil count, serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E and immediate skin hypersensitivity were also tested to grade patients as "definite" or "likely" ABPA. Definite cases had all five of these factors present, whereas likely cases had three or more. Chest radiographs were examined by experienced radiologists blinded to the clinical data. The six-stage radiographic score (0-5) was based on the severity and duration of changes seen: stage 0: normal; stage 1: transient hyperinflation; stage 2: transient minor changes; stage 3: transient major changes; stage 4: permanent minor changes; and stage 5: permanent major changes. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05) were observed between peak AF titres (expressed as an index), peak eosinophil count and radiographic severity stage. When considered as subgroups, these correlations approached, but did not reach, significance for the group with "likely" ABPA (n=28), but in the group with definite ABPA (n=13), there was a high correlation between radiographic score and peak AF index (r=0.59), as well as peak eosinophil count (r=0.62). This study suggests that the peak Aspergillus fumigatus index and eosinophil counts correlate best with the severity of radiographic stages in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This chest radiographic staging system may be useful in the clinical assessment and management of patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, particularly in those patients with more severe radiographic stages.

Antibodies, Fungal↗

A pilot study of tele-oncology in Scotland.

A pilot study of tele-oncology linking a cancer centre with a rural district general hospital was carried out; it involved patients, physicians, surgeons, radiologists and nursing staff. Its purpose was to complement the existing on-site outpatient services, providing oncological advice on non-clinic days. During the six months of the trial, 18 videoconferences were conducted. Their median duration was 17 min (range 7-40). Eight videoconferences involved patients directly. Acceptability of videoconferencing to doctors, nurses and patients was assessed by a questionnaire. Patients and staff found the technique acceptable and were satisfied with the results. The addition of a teleradiology system to teleconsultations was found to be important when decisions on patient management were taken. Following the success of this pilot trial, large studies of tele-oncology in the UK with measures of cost-effectiveness are needed.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

A non-invasive system for delivering neural growth factors across the blood-brain barrier: a review.

Intraventricular administration of nerve growth factor (NGF) in rats has been shown to reduce age-related atrophy of central cholinergic neurons and the accompanying memory impairment, as well as protect these neurons against a variety of perturbations. Since neurotrophins do not pass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in significant amounts, a non-invasive delivery system for this group of therapeutic molecules needs to be developed. We have utilized a carrier system, consisting of NGF covalently linked to an anti-transferrin receptor antibody (OX-26), to transport biologically active NGF across the BBB. The biological activity of this carrier system was tested using in vitro bioassays and intraocular transplants; we were able to demonstrate that cholinergic markers in both developing and aged intraocular septal grafts were enhanced by intravenous delivery of the OX-26-NGF conjugate. In subsequent experiments, aged (24 months old) Fischer 344 rats received intravenous injections of the OX-26-NGF conjugate for 6 weeks, resulting in a significant improvement in spatial learning in previously impaired rats, but disrupting the learning ability of previously unimpaired rats. Neuroanatomical analyses showed that OX-26-NGF conjugate treatment resulted in a significant increase in cholinergic cell size as well as an upregulation of both low and high affinity NGF receptors in the medial septal region of rats initially impaired in spatial learning. Finally, OX-26-NGF was able to protect striatal cholinergic neurons against excitotoxicity and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons from degeneration associated with chemically-induced loss of target neurons. These results indicate the potential utility of the transferrin receptor antibody delivery system for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders with neurotrophic substances.

Animals↗

Angioplasty and stenting of the extracranial carotid arteries.

PURPOSE: To study the feasibility and safety of stent-supported angioplasty in the treatment of atherosclerotic stenoses of the extracranial carotid arteries. METHODS: Carotid angioplasty was attempted in 174 arteries (163 patients: 126 males; mean age: 71 +/- 10 years, range 47 to 93). Mean lesion length was 15.1 +/- 4.1 mm, and mean percent stenosis was 83.8% +/- 7.3% (reference diameter 5.8 +/- 0.7 mm). The majority (106, 65%) were asymptomatic (51% of all patients had severe coronary disease, 32% had peripheral vascular diseases). Patients underwent independent neurological examination, computed tomography, duplex ultrasonography, and angiography preprocedurally, 24 hours after the procedure, and at 6-month follow-up intervals. Most (142, 82%) carotid arteries were treated without cerebral protection, but a protective triple coaxial catheter was used in 32 (18%) patients. Stents (primarily Palmaz and Wallstent) were deployed routinely in all cases; 18% were implanted without predilation. RESULTS: Immediate technical success was 173 of 174 (99.4%) (1 access failure referred electively to surgery). Eight (4.6%) neurological complications occurred in the periprocedural period: 3 transient ischemic attacks, 2 minor strokes, and 3 major strokes (1 amaurosis and 2 hemiplegias). Two major complications developed despite cerebral protection. There were no deaths or myocardial infarctions and only 3 cervical access site hematomas. Over a mean 12.7 +/- 9.2 month follow-up (range 1 to 36), no ipsilateral neurological complications have been seen. There were 4 (2.3%) restenoses (3 redilated, 1 treated medically) and 1 mild Palmaz stent compression, all found within the first 6 months. Primary and secondary patencies at 3 years are 96% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Angioplasty with routine stenting seems feasible and safe for treating certain types of carotid stenoses even in high-surgical risk patients; however, randomized trials are necessary before this treatment can be offered as an alternative to endarterectomy.

Aged↗

Endovascular treatment of internal iliac artery aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for percutaneous endovascular repair of internal iliac artery aneurysms. TECHNIQUE: In a patient with an isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm and combined tight stenoses at the origins of the external and internal iliac arteries, interventional treatment consisted of coil embolization of the internal iliac artery and branches using the contralateral femoral approach. Balloon dilation of the external iliac stenosis occluded the internal iliac artery, and Palmaz stents were placed in the external iliac stenosis to overcome residual luminal narrowing. CONCLUSIONS: This one-step percutaneous technique allows total exclusion of the internal iliac artery aneurysm using coil embolization. This treatment may be an alternative to surgery in isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms with small orifices.

Aged↗

The role of T cells in polyethylene particulate induced inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of T lymphocytes in ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) induced inflammation in joint arthroplasty. METHOD: We address the role of T cells in wear induced inflammation by injecting the knee joints of both immune competent rats and mice and severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice with UHMWPE. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the synovial tissues was compared. Interaction between human T cells and UHMWPE particles was examined in vitro using T cell activation assays. RESULTS: Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the knees of the immune competent animals showed significant UHMWPE induced inflammation. In contrast, the tissue in the SCID mice knee joints showed very little inflammatory response to UHMWPE despite phagocytosis of the particulate. Since the SCID mice have no functional T or B lymphocytes, it is highly likely that the lack of inflammation in knee joints may be due to the absence of mouse T cells, as the infiltration of T cells into the joint tissue may enhance the inflammatory response to UHMWPE particles. T cell activation assays showed that T cells were not directly activated by UHMWPE particles and the nature of the interaction was not revealed from these experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Although T cells are not directly involved in UHMWPE particle induced inflammation, as shown by the T cell activation assays, the histological data from the mice studies clearly show differences in the amplitude of inflammation from animals with and without functional T cells. Our studies suggest that the T cells may enhance the inflammatory response due to a bystander effect. Since the macrophages upon ingestion of UHMWPE particles release several cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1, and IL-6, it is possible that T cells in the vicinity of these macrophages may become attracted to the knee joint and activated due to cytokine release.

Animals↗

Fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid.

This article is an up-to-date review of thyroid fine needle aspiration. Special emphasis is placed on pitfalls and differential diagnoses of common and uncommon thyroid lesions.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

Molecular cloning of cDNA for guinea pig CYP1A2 comparison with guinea pig CYP1A1.

Guinea pig CYP1A2 cDNA was isolated by RT-PCR from liver tissue of 3,3'-methylcholanthrene-treated guinea pigs. It shares considerable sequence identity with guinea pig CYP1A1 (nt 77%, aa 65%), but differs in levels of constitutive expression, function, and inducibility. Western blot analysis of protein expressed by full-length cDNA in COS-1 cells identified CYP1A2 (56 kDa) and CYP1A1 (53 kDa) proteins in corun liver microsomes. CYP1A2 transfectants metabolized methoxyresorufin and ethoxyresorufin, while CYP1A1 transfectants metabolized only ethoxyresorufin. Constitutive expression of CYP1A2 mRNA (2.0 kb) and protein was much lower than that of CYP1A1 mRNA (2.6 kb) and protein, but the fold induction of CYP1A2 by 3,3'-methylcholanthrene was greater than that of CYP1A1. Changes in splicing of CYP1A2 pre-mRNA occur upon treatment with 3,3'-methylcholanthrene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

HIV genetic variation is directed and restricted by DNA precursor availability.

The effects of deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) imbalances on the fidelity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication were investigated. Using detergent permeabilized virions and biased dNTP concentrations different types of hypermutants were readily produced. However, the mutant spectrum was different from naturally occurring hypermutants demonstrating that the host cell may restrict variation. Using a genetic screen based on the blue/white beta-galactosidase complementation assay, G --> A hypermutants were recovered from HIV-infected thymidine treated U937 cells. Furthermore, hypermutants were recovered from 1 to 2% of resting or activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicating that small proportions of primary cells had distorted intracellular [dTTP] and [dCTP]. Such imbalances may underlie a proportion of somatic and germline point mutations and shape to some extent the evolution of mammalian and viral genomes.

Base Sequence↗

Distribution of enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in the cat digestive tract.

Immunohistochemical investigations were carried out to determine the pattern of distribution of methionine- and leucine-enkephalin-like materials in the cat pylorus, duodenum, ileum and proximal and distal colon. The present results indicate that leucine-enkephalin-like materials are less densely distributed than methionine-enkephalin-like materials, but that the two patterns of distribution show some similarities. Considerable regional differences exist however in the distribution of these enkephalin-like materials in the muscular layers. In the duodenum, ileum and proximal colon, the immunoreactivity was mainly confined to the myenteric plexus and the circular muscle layer, where it was present in nerve cell bodies and in numerous fibres. In the longitudinal muscle and submucous layers, a few immunoreactive fibres were observed which sometimes surrounded blood vessels. In the pylorus and the distal colon, however, numerous immunoreactive fibres were observed in the longitudinal and circular muscle layers; the immunoreactivity was detected in the cell bodies of numerous myenteric plexus neurons but those of only a few submucous plexus neurons. In addition, the pylorus tissues contained immunoreactive plexi which were localized either within the longitudinal muscle or between the serosa and the longitudinal muscle layer. These plexi were connected to the myenteric plexus by immunoreactive nerve strands. In all the small intestinal segments studied, numerous immunoreactive varicosities were present in the deep muscular plexus, in the inner part of the circular muscle layer. Our results suggest that in cats, the nervous control of external muscular layers mediated by enkephalins shows regional differences. In the pylorus and the distal colon, it involves both the longitudinal and circular muscle layers, whereas in other intestinal segments, only the circular muscle layer is involved.

Animals↗

Morphological alterations in the peripheral and central nervous systems of mice lacking glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF): immunohistochemical studies.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily of growth factors with neurotrophic activity on midbrain dopaminergic neurons and on developing and mature motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. To investigate the extent of GDNF dependency of central and peripheral nervous structures during development, we have performed an immunohistochemical analysis of sections from the whole head including brain, peripheral ganglia, developing teeth and tongue, as well as intestines, in mutant mice lacking a part of the third exon that encodes the GDNF protein. As described previously, these null-mutated mice lack most of the enteric nerve plexus and are subject to agenesis or severe dysgenesis of the kidneys. In the present communication, we examined the development of vibrissae and incisor and molar teeth, as well as the innervation of these structures, and found no differences between null-mutated and control mice. A decrease in the immunohistochemical labeling intensity with tyrosine hydroxylase was observed in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG), as well as in the pontine nucleus locus coeruleus, and the sympathetic innervation of blood vessels and glands in the head was significantly decreased. None of the brain nuclei studied exhibited any significant decreases in the total number of neurons, but the packing density of neurons in the nucleus locus coeruleus was decreased. These data indicate that GDNF might be one neurotrophic factor that contributes to the development of central and peripheral noradrenergic neurons.

Animals↗

Microalbuminuria in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus relates to nocturnal systolic blood pressure.

PURPOSE: Microalbuminuria predicts early mortality in non-insulin-dependent-diabetes mellitus patients (NIDDM). Our objective in the present study was to compare and assess the relationship between 24-hour, day and nocturnal ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE) in microalbuminuric and normoalbuminuric NIDDM and in normal control subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 24 hour ambulatory BP (daytime BP and nocturnal BP) and HbA1c were compared in microalbuminuric (n = 10) and nonmicroalbuminuric NIDDM patients (n = 10) and in nondiabetic controls (n = 9). None of the patients were taking antihypertensive agents. RESULTS: In the microlbuminuric group, whereas 24 hour and daytime systolic BP differed significantly from control values (P < 0.025 and P < 0.05 respectively), there was no difference between diabetic groups. However, nocturnal systolic BP in the microalbuminuric group was significantly higher than in the normoalbuminuric diabetic patients (139 vs. 125) (P < 0.05) and a significant difference was also found between the NIDDM patients and the control group (139, 125 vs. 114) (P < 0.025). In multiple regression analysis, only nocturnal systolic BP showed a significant relationship with UAE (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the higher nocturnal systolic blood pressure seen in our microalbuminuric NIDDM patients may contribute to the increased morbidity in this group.

Adult↗

Effect of ejaculation frequency and season on donkey jack semen.

Semen characteristics of first and second successive ejaculates from 6 jacks were evaluated weekly for 12 mo. The semen was collected at 4-h intervals, using an artificial vagina with a female in either natural or induced estrus. The statistical analysis was done by factorial delineation 2 x 2 in randomized blocks. Due to some ejaculation failures, the data had to be divided into 2 Groups (A and B) for statistical analysis: Group A - ejaculates preceded by 2 ejaculates in the previous week and Group B - ejaculates preceded by only 1 ejaculate in the previous week. If no statistical difference was observed between the groups in a given parameter, the data was grouped together. Semen characteristics for the first and second ejaculates, respectively, showed the following mean +/- SEM: gel-free semen volume 29.2 +/- 2.2 and 31.7 +/- 2.2 ml; progressive motility 71.0 +/- 1.6 and 72.9 +/- 1.6%; sperm vigor 3.8 +/- 0.1 and 4.1 +/- 0.1; live spermatozoa for Group A 82.6 +/- 2.1 and 82.3 +/- 2.1%, and for Group B 84.6 +/- 1.4 and 86.6 +/- 1.4%; total number of spermatozoa for Group A 10.6 +/- 0.8 x 10(9) and 5.8 +/- 0.8 x 10(9), and for Group B 13.3 +/- 1.2 x 10(9) and 9.6 +/- 1.2 x 10(9); head abnormalities for Group A 1.2 +/- 0.3 and 1.4 +/- 0.3%, and for Group B 1.6 +/- 0.3 and 1.9 +/- 0.3%; mid piece abnormalities 7.7 +/- 0.7 and 6.1 +/- 0.7%; tail abnormalities 7.3 +/- 0.7 and 6.8 +/- 0.7%; pH 7.6 +/- 0.0 and 7.6 +/- 0.0. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between the animals for all sperm characteristics except for sperm vigor. The means for the first and second ejaculates were significantly different (P < 0.05) for the total number of spermatozoa in all the animals, while the percentage of mid piece abnormalities was significantly different in only 1 jack. Seasonal effects on sperm parameters were observed only for semen pH.

Journal Article↗

Responses to alpha 2-adrenoceptor blockade by idazoxan in healthy male and female volunteers.

Seven male and five female volunteers underwent double-blind infusions of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (100 and 200 micrograms/mg) and placebo in random order. Blood pressure, plasma norepinephrine, growth hormone and subjective responses were measured. The higher dose of idazoxan produced increases in blood pressure, norepinephrine and growth hormone and slight increases in anxiety. Both subject age and sex appeared to influence the magnitude of responses.

Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists↗

Clinical effect of meso-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorine based photodynamic therapy in recurrent carcinoma of the ovary: preliminary results.

This article addresses the use of meso-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin-based photodynamic therapy (m-THPC-PDT) to treat recurrent gynaecologic malignancies of the ovary. Photodynamic therapy is an experimental approach in the treatment of neoplasms and results indicate it is a highly tissue selective, relatively simple intervention with few side effects, therefore reducing the overall burden on the patient. Of the three patients involved in the initial study, two were treated solely with photodynamic therapy by laparoscopy, and one underwent additional palliative debulking surgery of metastatic tumours. After a post-operative period of more than two years all three women remained free of relapses.

Antineoplastic Agents↗