Crystal structure, magnetic properties, x-ray-photoemission-spectroscopy, and specific-heat measurements on Pr2BaO4 and PrBaO3.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
O Cohen
Publications and source records attributed to O Cohen.
The H-ras oncogene regulates expression of 70- and 45-kDa cell-surface molecules whose expression correlates with tumor-cell immunogenicity.
The effects of the H-ras oncogene on fibroblast cell tumorigenicity and immunogenicity was studied in transfectants of the BALB/c 3T3 clone A31 fibroblastoid cell-line. Cells that were transfected with MC29-LTR-H-ras (98/6) or MC29-LTR-v-myc + H-ras (98/4v) and were inoculated into syngeneic BALB/c mice were tumorigenic in 100% and 60% of animals respectively. By contrast, transfectants containing the pSV2neo plasmid alone (98/1) displayed normal characteristics both in vitro and in vivo. Inoculation of mice with mitomycin-C-treated 98/1 or 98/4v cells induced an effective protective immunity to a challenge of live 98/4v cells, and a partial immunity against 98/6 cells. Mitomycin-C-treated 98/6 cells failed to render immunity against a challenge of either 98/6 or 98/4v cells. To correlate immunogenicity and tumorigenicity of the different cell types with cell-surface-antigen expression, we prepared MAbs against 98/4v cells in syngeneic mice. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analysis revealed that MAbs 102 and 104 recognized 2 protein band of 70 and 45 kDa respectively, which were expressed predominantly in 98/1 and 98/4v cells. A third immunoreactive protein band of 44 kDa that reacted with MAb 6 was expressed at a similar cell-surface density on all cell types. Cell-differentiation-inducing agents, such as DMSO, retinoic acid or sodium butyrate, were all found to induce 98/6 cell flattening and morphological changes toward a normal phenotype that were followed by up-regulation of the 70- and 45-kDa antigens. The results suggest that regulation of expression of the 70- and 45-kDa molecules is affected by H-ras, and that expression of these cell-surface molecules may be relevant to tumor cell immunogenicity.
Animals↗
Psoas abscess: case report and review of the literature.
Psoas muscle abscess is rare and presents a diagnostic challenge requiring a high index of suspicion. We report an unusual case of primary psoas abscess caused by Proteus mirabilis. Primary psoas abscess is most commonly present in children and is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 434 cases of psoas abscess has been reported. The subject is discussed noting the differences between primary and secondary cases, and emphasizing the importance of ultrasound and computerized tomography guided drainage of psoas abscess. A flow chart for the evaluation and management of primary and secondary abscess is presented, taking into consideration the success rate of the various methods of treatment described in the literature.
Aged↗
Pitfalls in the follow-up of cervical and mediastinal goitres: role of CT imaging.
Four patients with cervical and mediastinal goitres were described. Routine investigation in these patients, including chest X-rays, oesophageal and tracheal X-rays and scintigraphy of the thyroid gland, failed to show significant changes over the years, or underestimated the true extent of the goitres. Three of the goitres caused severe mediastinal compression, evident only on computed tomography (CT) imaging, and requiring urgent surgery. The pros and cons of different diagnostic modalities for imaging cervical and mediastinal goitres are discussed, stressing the importance of CT imaging as exemplified in the cases presented.
Aged↗
Defects of insulin's signal transduction in old rat livers.
Aging is associated with a postbinding defect in insulin action, leading to increased glucose intolerance and occasional diabetes. To determine whether defects in insulin receptor kinase (IRK) activity or in the phosphorylation of its physiological substrates underlie this age-related phenomenon, young (2-3 months old) and old (24-27 months old) Wistar rats were studied. When assayed in vitro, the hepatic IRK activities of noninjected old and young rats were comparable. Thirty seconds after the injection of insulin, the hepatic IRK activity of young rats increased 7- to 10-fold in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal effects obtained in rats injected with 20 mg insulin. By contrast, old animals exhibited impaired in vivo activation, with a mean 50% reduction in maximal IRK activity. When the rats were grouped into animals with mild (20%), moderate (50%), and severe (80%) reductions in maximal IRK activity, it was found that the mild and moderate defects could be reversed once the receptors were subjected to extensive autophosphorylation in vitro. The severe form of the defect was essentially irreversible and could not be corrected by phosphorylation in vitro. Immunoblotting with anti P-Tyr antibodies revealed that the reduced IRK activity in the old animals correlated with reduced intrahepatic tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta-subunit of the insulin receptor and pp180, a putative substrate of IRK. We, therefore, conclude that glucose intolerance in aging could be attributed at least in part to acquired defects in the in vivo activation of the hepatic IRK, which results in reduced phosphorylation of its putative substrate pp180.
Aging↗
Human reciprocal translocations: a new computer system for genetic counseling.
A new computer system for genetic counseling in reciprocal translocations is described. This system, namely RCPc (RCP counseling) is a knowledge base extracted from a data base called SCD (Structural Chromosome Data) which contains 1376 families carrying reciprocal translocations. RCPc gives key information for each translocation which allows an evaluation of the risk of unbalance at birth and a prediction of the characteristics of potential unbalances. This information could provide a useful basis for deciding whether a prenatal diagnosis is required and if so, the preferred sampling method i.e. amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).
Artificial Intelligence↗
Toward improved empiric management of moderate to severe urinary tract infections.
BACKGROUND: Guidelines to show whether a patient hospitalized because of a urinary tract infection (UTI) has a severe infection, and whether he or she is at high risk for harboring a multiresistant pathogen, are scant. The aims of the present study were to find (1) clinical and laboratory variables known within 24 hours of admission that, combined in a logistic model, will point to a high or low probability of bacteremia and (2) variables that can be used to define patients at high risk for the subsequent isolation of a multiresistant uropathogen. METHODS: In a set of patients consecutively admitted to a department of medicine because of UTI, we compared bacteremic vs nonbacteremic patients, and patients with a multiresistant uropathogen vs others, on logistic regression analysis. The logistic models derived were validated in a second set of patients with UTI. RESULTS: Among 247 patients with UTI (median age, 75 years), 80 of them with bacteremia, five factors were significantly and independently associated with bacteremia: serum creatinine level, leukocyte count, temperature, diabetes mellitus, and low serum albumin level. A logistic model incorporating those factors was used to divide the patients into three groups with increasing prevalence of bacteremia (6%, 39%, and 69%) and of death (3%, 6%, and 20%). Three factors were predictive of the subsequent isolation of a resistant uropathogen: use of antibiotics before admission, advanced age, and male gender. The combination of those factors was used to divide patients into two groups, with resistance to cefuroxime of 9% vs 28%, to gentamicin of 7% vs 20%, and to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim of 30% vs 50%. In a second set of 144 patients with UTI, the percentages of bacteremia in the three groups were 5%, 16%, and 55%, and those of death, 2%, 6%, and 17%. When divided by the second model, the resistance to cefuroxime in the two groups was 16% vs 30%; to gentamicin, 16% vs 28%; and to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, 28% vs 59%. CONCLUSIONS: If prospectively validated in other settings, the models can be used to define groups of patients with UTI at low and high risk for bacteremia, and to help in the choice of empiric antibiotic treatment.
Adolescent↗
Behavior identification as a mediator of dispositional inference.
According to Trope's (1986) 2-stage model, the use of situational information ("A was teased") to identify behavior ("A reacted aggressively") may result in subsequent dispositional inferences ("A is an aggressive person") that seem insensitive to situational information. Two determinants of the situational biasing effect on behavior identification were varied, namely, behavior ambiguity and order of situational and behavioral information. It was found that when behavior was ambiguous and preceded by situational information, the latter affected behavior identification but not dispositional inference; in contrast, when behavior was unambiguous or when it was followed by situational information, the latter affected dispositional inference but not behavior identification. Thus, the same conditions that allowed situational information to bias behavior identification also nullified the effect of situational information on dispositional inference.
Adult↗
Bacteremia in febrile patients. A clinical model for diagnosis.
Among 244 patients aged 18 to 98 years who were consecutively hospitalized in a department of internal medicine because of a febrile disease, 52 (21%) were bacteremic. On a logistic regression analysis, five variables known within 24 hours of admission were found to be associated both significantly and independently with bacteremia: low serum albumin level, low premorbid performance status, chills, renal failure, and an assumptive diagnosis of urinary tract infection on admission. The logistic model was used to divide patients into three groups. In group 1, the percentage of bacteremic patients was 5%, in group 2, 40%, and in group 3, 83%. The percentage of deaths in the three groups was 0%, 23%, and 50%, respectively. The model was validated in a second group of 257 patients. The percentage of bacteremia was 1% in group 1, 23% in group 2, and 65% in group 3. The death rate in three groups was 3%, 4%, and 35%, respectively. The accuracy of the attending physician in diagnosing bacteremia within 24 hours of hospitalization was compared with that of the model. Use of the model could have improved the diagnostic accuracy in 5% of the patients in group 1 and in 18% of patients in group 3.
Aged↗
Varicella and perforation of the stomach.
Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is rare in varicella. We report a previously healthy young girl with perforation of the stomach that appeared to be a complication of varicella. Varicella inclusion bodies were demonstrated at the site of gastric perforations. On surgery, an organoaxial volvulus of the stomach was demonstrated.
Chickenpox↗
Prospective evaluation of liver function tests in patients treated with aminoglycosides.
We investigated the relationship between therapy with aminoglycoside antibiotics and alterations in serum liver enzymes and bilirubin. One hundred fourteen patients treated with aminoglycosides and 96 treated with other antibiotics were assessed prospectively during eight days. No elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, or bilirubin was detected in the aminoglycoside and control groups. Alkaline phosphatase increased significantly in the aminoglycoside group (average elevation of 28 +/- 16 units/L on day 6), but no patient had an elevation greater than twice the upper limit of the normal range. We conclude that the abnormality in liver enzymes during aminoglycoside therapy is a mild elevation in alkaline phosphatase, probably with no clinical significance.
Aged↗
Intraperitoneal phosphate administration in hungry bone syndrome.
Hypophosphatemia complicating parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal failure is usually corrected by the oral or intravenous routes. We present a case in which those methods of treatment were not possible, and the phosphate was administered intraperitoneally. Phosphate was added as one molar sodium diphosphate solution to the dialysis fluid. In our case the procedure was well tolerated, phosphate blood levels were rapidly corrected, no alterations in calcium, magnesium or other parameters were detected and the patient was discharged in good condition. In selected cases of hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy, intraperitoneal phosphate can be used safely.
Adult↗
Occult bacterial infection in adults with unexplained fever. Validation of a diagnostic index.
We tested the performance of a previously developed index to diagnose occult bacterial infection and bacteremia in febrile patients. A total of 113 patients consecutively hospitalized because of an acute febrile disease, without a recognizable source of fever, were divided into four groups, with increasing probability of bacterial infection and bacteremia. None of the patients in the first group had bacterial infection or bacteremia. The incidence of bacterial infection and bacteremia was 27% and 11% in the second group, 32% and 17% in the third group, and 53% and 35% in the fourth group. No patient in the first group died, as opposed to 29% of patients in the fourth group. The use of the index at admission would have probably changed the treatment of 11% of patients. Thus, the index could be used to identify patients to be discharged from the emergency department (first group) or hospitalized and treated empirically (fourth group).
Adolescent↗
Immunocytochemistry and image cytometry of progesterone receptors in breast carcinoma imprints. Expression of tissular and cellular heterogeneity: relations to biochemical assay, clinical and histological parameters and DNA analysis.
Breast cancer imprints from 93 patients were assayed for the presence of progesterone receptors (PgR) using a monoclonal antibody (Transbio) and an immunocytochemical assay (ICA) method which stains only the epithelial cell nuclei. Results were compared with conventional biochemical PgR determinations (DCCA) and were in qualitative agreement in 86% of the cases. Quantitative analyses were done on PgR-ICA- and Feulgen-stained imprints from 32 tumours using a SAMBA 2005 cell image processor. Results obtained showed a high correlation between DCCA values and the P product derived from the mean PgR concentration of marked tumour cells and the percentage of marked cells. Intra-tumoral and intra-cell heterogeneity were featured and showed relation to tumour differentiation and size.
Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
Image cytometry of estrogen receptors in breast carcinomas.
A significant level of estrogen receptors (ER) in breast cancer cells is an indication of tumor differentiation and suggests that a homeostatic control of cell growth may persist in these cancers. In medical practice, the Dextran-coated charcoal assays (DCCA) are still the most frequently used test to characterize patients having ER-positive malignant breast tumors and for whom hormonal therapy is justified. Nevertheless, this routine biochemical technique is not satisfactory because it is a broad method unsuitable for revealing receptor tissue heterogeneity. However, immunocytochemical labeling, such as the ER-ICA method, which involves a monoclonal antibody linked to peroxidase, is a specific reaction for this purpose but which until now was not quantitative. The present study uses an original cell preparation technique combining the PAP reaction with toluidine blue counterstain for image analysis on the SAMBA system. Special software has been developed for the quantitative analysis of immunocytochemistry in cancers. Results obtained showed a high correlation between the DCCA values and the score derived from the mean ER concentration per positive tumor cell and the labeling index. In addition, intracell and intratumor heterogeneity can be displayed according to several parameters and were shown to vary according to tumor and to antiestrogen (Tamoxifen) presurgical therapy.
Breast Neoplasms↗
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the elderly: data at presentation.
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Age Factors↗
Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation after partial lobectomy for aspergillosis of the lung.
A patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed probable aspergillosis of the lung underwent partial lobectomy prior to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Diagnosis was proven by microscopic examination of the resected lung tissue. Local and systemic antifungal prophylaxis with oral amphotericin B plus itraconazole was given throughout the immediate post-transplant period and there was no evidence of recurrent mycosis. Fourteen months after BMT the patient is well, in complete remission and leading a normal life. Pre-transplant pulmonary aspergillosis need not therefore be a contraindication to successful BMT.
Adult↗
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIb--a case report.
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Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗