Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Nicolas Meyer

Publications and source records attributed to Nicolas Meyer.

22 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Allelic imbalance at loci containing FGFR, FGF, c-Met and HGF candidate genes in non-small cell lung cancer sub-types, implication for progression.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and their receptors, FGFR and c-Met, are essential components of the regulatory networks between the epithelium and mesenchyme in embryonic lung, but their respective roles in tumour growth are not clear. We performed allelotyping at loci containing the candidate genes FGFR-1-2-3-4, FGF-1-2-7-10, c-Met and HGF in 36 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (20 squamous-cell carcinomas (SQC) and 16 adenocarcinomas (ADC)), by surrounding each locus with two microsatellites (MS), as close as possible to the genes of interest. Unexpectedly, SQC and ADC were frequently altered at all of these loci, and SQC showed more simultaneously altered loci. In ADC, alterations at the 15q13-22 locus (FGF7 candidate gene) were significantly more frequent. Thus, these loci showed different patterns of molecular alterations between SQC and ADC. Finally, alterations at loci containing FGFR and HGF candidate genes were inversely correlated to the lymph node status in SQC and ADC, respectively.

Adult↗

Small hepatocellular carcinoma in Child A cirrhotic patients: hepatic resection versus transplantation.

Hepatic resection (HR) is the treatment of choice for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a noncirrhotic liver, whereas liver transplantation (LT) offers better results in patients with impaired hepatic function (Child B and C). However, it is still debated whether HR or LT is the best strategy for patients with Child A cirrhosis. We conducted a retrospective study on 37 consecutive patients with Child A cirrhosis and small HCC, treated between 1991 and 1999. Seventeen of these patients, who underwent LT, were compared with 20 patients who underwent HR, and prognostic factors for survival and tumor recurrence were analyzed. The primary endpoints were the intention-to-treat, 3- and 5-year survival, and 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival. Three- and 5-year patient survival rate both were significantly (P =.04) higher in the LT group (87% and 71%, respectively) than in the HR group (67 and 36% respectively). Similarly, the 3- and 5- year recurrence-free survival rates were 87% and 80% for the LT group, and 52% and 40% for the HR group (P =.03). Absence of microscopic vascular invasion was the only other prognostic factor correlated with significantly better recurrence-free survival (P =.02). Therefore, we concluded that in patients with Child A cirrhosis and small HCC, liver transplantation resulted in better overall and disease-free survival than HR.

Aged↗

The prognostic value of nutritional and inflammatory indices in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure.

In critically ill patients suffering from acute respiratory failure, weaning from ventilatory assistance is a key survival factor in intensive care units (ICU). The aim of this study was to provide deeper insight into laboratory methods allowing improved monitoring of that critical period. Eighty-three ICU patients (mean age 63.9 years), classified according to the Second Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation criteria, were submitted to mechanical ventilation, antibiotherapy and nutritional support. Weaning attempts required degressive pressure support ventilation. The biological status of the patients was assessed by the serial measurement of inflammatory (C-reactive protein and alpha1-acid glycoprotein) and of nutritional (albumin and transthyretin) indicators whose aggregation yields a prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI). Statistical analyses compared ventilatory and biological data recorded on admission and at the time of extubation. Results showed that vital capacity and plasma concentrations of albumin and transthyretin rose, whereas rapid shallow breathing index, C-reactive protein and PINI values declined during the tested period. Persistent low transthyretin concentrations were predictive of lethality while increased values were associated with improved ventilatory performances. The PINI scoring formula worked as an independent predictor of the weaning trial outcome. The study underlined the value of the PINI system for the successful management of the weaning procedure.

Acute Disease↗