Application of multiple correspondence analysis to asses the relation between time after transplantation and sympathetic activity in cardiac transplant recipient

The aim of the present study was to evidence that the heart reinnervation can occur and it is related with the time after transplantation (evolution with time). Data were evaluated using Multiple Correspondence Analyses (MCA), which is the ideal method to study the relation, probably nonlinear, between the Time After Transplantation (TAT) and the probable restoration of normal heart rate responses of sinus node regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Twenty four nonrejecting transplant recipients (60 +/- 48 months after transplantation) and nine healthy subjects were studied by heart rate variability parameters. Results showed that sympathetic activity is restored some time after transplantation. Until 48 months, the recent HTR are in direct correlation to low values SD and LF and for the oldest transplant recipient, these parameters are similar to that observed in normal subjects.

Variation of bispectral index under TIVA with propofol in a paediatric population

BACKGROUND

In this prospective observational study, we aim to explore the relationship between age and bispectral index (BIS) values at different plasma concentrations of propofol.

METHODS

Fifty children aged from 3 to 15 yr were included. Anaesthesia was induced using a target-controlled infusion of propofol with the Kataria pharmacokinetic model together with a bolus of remifentanil followed by a continuous infusion rate at 0.2 microg kg(-1) min(-1). Target plasma propofol concentration was initially stabilized to 6 microg ml(-1) and continued for 6 min. The target was then decreased and stabilized to 4 microg ml(-1) and then to 2 microg ml(-1). BIS values, plasma propofol concentration, and EEG were continuously recorded. In order to explore the relationship between variations in propofol concentration and the EEG bispectrum, we used a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). Results are shown in median (range).

RESULTS

We found no statistical difference between BIS values with propofol 6 microg ml(-1) [23 (12-40)] and 4 microg ml(-1) [28 (9-67)]. At 2 microg ml(-1), BIS was significantly different [52 (24-71)], but a significant correlation between the age of children and BIS values was found (r2=0.66; P<0.01). There was little change in children's position between 6 and 4 microg ml(-1) in the structure model of the MCA. From 4 to 2 microg ml(-1), the position of children moved only on axis 2.

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed the difficulty to interpret BIS values because of the absence of significant change for higher plasma propofol concentration variation or because of the link with age for the lower plasma concentration.

Effect of remifentanil with and without atropine on heart rate variability and RR interval in children

Remifentanil can cause bradycardia either by parasympathetic activation or by other negative chronotropic effects. The high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability (HRV) is a marker of parasympathetic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of remifentanil on RR interval and on HRV in children. Forty children ASA I or II were studied after approval by the human studies committee and informed parental consent was obtained. After stabilisation at sevoflurane 1 MAC, they were randomly divided into two groups: one received a 20 microg.kg(-1) atropine injection (AT + REMI) and the other ringer lactate solution (REMI). Three minutes later, a 1 microg.kg(-1) bolus of remifentanil was administered over 1 min, followed by a continual infusion at 0.25 microg.kg(-1).min(-1) for 10 min increased to 0.5 microg.kg(-1).min(-1) for a further 10 min. A time varying, autoregressive analysis of RR sequences was used to estimate classical spectral parameters: low (0.04-0.15 Hz; LF) and high (0.15-0.45 Hz; HF) frequency, whereas the root mean square of successive differences of RR intervals (rmssd) was derived directly from the temporal sequence. Statistical analyses were conducted by means of the multiple correspondence analysis and with non parametrical tests. Remifentanil induced an RR interval lengthening, i.e. bradycardia, in both groups compared to pretreatment values and was associated with an increase of HF and rmssd only for the REMI group. The parasympathetic inhibition by atropine did not totally prevent remifentanil's negative chronotropic effect. A direct negative chronotropic effect of remifentanil is proposed.

Impact of age on both BIS values and EEG bispectrum during anaesthesia with sevoflurane in children

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between age, BIS (Aspect), and the EEG bispectrum during anaesthesia with sevoflurane.

METHODS

BIS and raw EEG were recorded at a steady state of 1 MAC in 100 children, and during a decrease from 2 to 0.5 MAC in a sub-group of 29 children. The bispectrum of the EEG was estimated using MATLAB software. For analysis, the bispectrum was divided into 36 frequencies of coupling (P(i))--the MatBis. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to establish an underlying structure of the pattern of each individual's MatBis at 1 MAC. Clustering of children into homogeneous groups was conducted by a hierarchical ascending classification (HAC). The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

At 1 MAC, the BIS values for all children ranged from 20 to 74 (median 40). Projection of both age and BIS value recorded at 1 MAC onto the structured model of the MCA showed them to be distributed along the same axis, demonstrating that the different values of BIS obtained in younger or older children are mainly dependent on their MatBis. At 1 MAC, six homogeneous groups of children were obtained through the HAC. Groups 5 (30 months; range 23-49) and 6 (18 months; range 6-180) were the younger children and Group 1 (97 months; range 46-162) the older. Groups 5 and 6 had the highest median values of BIS (54; range 50-59) (55; range 26-74) and Group 1 the lowest values (29; range 22-37).

CONCLUSION

The EEG bispectrum, as well as the BIS appeared to be strongly related to the age of children at 1 MAC sevoflurane.

Clinical significance of cell proliferation, microvessel density, and CD44 adhesion molecule expression in renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known to have a wide variation in clinical outcome despite the use of conventional prognostic factors, such as staging or grading. A better knowledge of the biologic aggressiveness of RCC could facilitate the selection of patients at high risk of tumor progression. The aim of this study was to determine if use of measurements of vascular density, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion could better predict the biologic behavior of RCC. We immunohistochemically analyzed CD34, Ki-67, and CD44H expression on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 73 RCCs for quantifying microvessel density (MVD), Ki-67 labeling index (LI), and CD44H LI, respectively. Univariate cancer-specific survival analysis showed that tumor stage (P < .01), tumor size (P < .001), nuclear grade (P < .01), metastasis (P < .001), MVD (P < .03), Ki-67 LI (P < .001), and CD44H LI (P < .0001) were predictors of tumor-related death. There was a statistical correlation between CD44H LI and both Ki-67 LI (r' = .3) and MVD (r' = -44). Ki-67 LI (P < .04) and CD44H LI (P < .02), as well as metastasis (P < .008), emerged as independent predictors of cancer-specific survival in multivariate analysis in patients with metastases (P < .04 and P < .02, respectively) and in patients without metastases (P < .006 and P < .00001, respectively). Our study suggests that vascular density, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion represent a complex tumor-host interaction that may favor progression of RCC. Cell proliferation and CD44H expression appear to be powerful markers to identify patients with an adverse prognosis.

Interleukin-2 expanded lymphocytes from lymph node and tumor biopsies of human renal cell carcinoma, breast and ovarian cancer

Adoptive immunotherapy with immune effector cells has proved to be potent for treatment of tumors, however neither the attendant criteria for potential clinical efficacy of the injected cells, nor the method to prepare these cells are presently well established. Our procedure of collecting lymphocytes from biological samples, was based on the use of low IL-2 concentrations (90 to 150 IU/ml) and on the stringent separation of lymphocytes from tumor cells at the very early stages of their outgrowth in culture. When lymphocytes were derived from tumor biopsies (TIL), we observed differences depending on the histological type of tumor. In renal cell carcinoma, natural killer cells were expanded in 4/11 biopsies contrary to what was observed in breast cancer (92 +/- 5% of T lymphocytes from 9 biopsies). The outgrowth of lymphocytes from breast tumors was slower and lower than from renal carcinomas. The autologous tumor cell line was more difficult to obtain from breast carcinoma (23%) than from renal cell carcinoma (61%) biopsies. For ovarian cancer, short-term culture of tumor cells could be obtained for half of the tumor-invaded biological samples. Eight of the 23 tumor-derived cultures contained more than 40% CD8 T. TIL were consistently cytolytic each time they could be evaluated. For ascitic and pleural fluids, data were of similar range. In ascitic-derived cultures, tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells are present and can be supposed to rechallenge T cells with tumor antigens. Lymphocytes derived from lymph nodes could be expanded to a larger number than TIL. However, only 1/18 of these cultures contained more than 40% CD8 T. The presence of few tumor cells in this culture was in favor of significant specific and non-specific cytotoxicity in RCC lymph node cultures and higher percentages of CD8 T in breast cancer lymph nodes. Correlations could not be established between CD8 T percentages and specific in vitro cytotoxicity in our polyclonal populations. Our conclusion is that phenotypic and functional quality of lymphocytes is of interest when the T cells are derived 1) from tumors (RCC, breast or ovarian cancer) and isolated very early to avoid inhibitor factors secreted from tumor cells or 2) from lymph nodes and ascitic and pleural fluids when very few tumor cells are co-cultivated with lymphocytes at initial steps of culture. Final expansion to a number of lymphocytes suitable for therapy (> 109) could be attained in a second step of the procedure by the use of 1,000 IU/ml IL-2 each time it was assayed with 50.106 lymphocytes. In view of these data it appears that phenotypic and functional changes occur during culture depending on the presence of a particular ratio of tumor antigens. This could be artificially reproduced.

Comparative effects of permanent biventricular pacing for refractory heart failure in patients with stable sinus rhythm or chronic atrial fibrillation

This study aimed to compare the long-term benefit of biventricular pacing in drug-refractory heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy who were in stable sinus rhythm or had persistent atrial fibrillation. The results showed that permanent biventricular pacing in such patients significantly improves exercise tolerance in both groups of patients; however, the benefit tended to be greater in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Polyamine profiles in tumor, normal tissue of the homologous breast, blood, and urine of breast cancer sufferers

Polyamines are involved in the development of breast cancer. We assayed polyamines in erythrocytes, urines, and breast tissues (tumor tissue and histologically normal breast tissue close to the tumor) of patients with invasive breast cancer (n = 174) and benign breast disease (n = 71, used as controls). Polyamine levels in red blood cells and urine were similar to the polyamine concentrations found in healthy subjects, and thus cannot be used as diagnostic markers of breast cancer. In cancer tissue, polyamines were significantly increased in comparison with the polyamine concentrations in controls, and were correlated to the tumor aggressiveness as evaluated by histological grade and Ki-67 proliferative index. On the other hand, correlation was found between polyamine levels in the tumor and the status of the hormone receptors. In the mammary tissue close to the cancer, polyamines dramatically decreased in comparison with the polyamine levels of tissue samples removed around the histologically proven benign tumors. The changes of the polyamine concentrations in the histologically normal breast tissue in the vicinity of the cancer could play a role in the cancer development and need further studies, especially if polyamines are considered as a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Imaging radiation induced muscular necrosis with antimyosin-scintigraphy and computed tomography

Radiations accidents involving high exposures require accurate assessment of radiation dose for correct surgical or medical management. Techniques involving computed tomography and antimyosin-antibody scintigraphy were evaluated in an experimental model of acute localized irradiation overexposure to 192Ir. Ten rabbits were exposed to a single dose of 192Ir gamma irradiation (120 Gy) on the back (right iliospinal muscle). Computed tomography and antimyosin-antibody scintigraphy results were compared with those in four control animals. Planar scintiscans (posterior views) were performed 48 h post-injection of antimyosin-antibody each week for 2 mo after exposure. An antimyosin uptake was observed in irradiated muscle five weeks after exposure and correlated with computed tomography and histopathology results, showing muscle necrosis. Biodistribution assessed at 7 and 9 wk post exposure confirmed antimyosin-antibody accumulation in damaged muscle. A semi-quantitative analysis of a region of interest over the uptake area in the irradiated muscle (on the right side) and a contralateral non-irradiated region of interest used as control showed that uptake was significantly higher in irradiated animals than in control animals (p < 0.02). Antimyosin-antibody scintiscans used in nuclear cardiology to explore ischemic heart disease, myocarditis or heart transplant rejection could be realized to assess the extent of muscle necrosis after trauma or radiation induced injury.

Comparison of automated and visual texture analysis in MRI: characterization of normal and diseased skeletal muscle

Automated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) texture analysis was compared with visual MRI analysis for the diagnosis of skeletal muscle dystrophy in 14 healthy and 17 diseased subjects. MRI texture analysis was performed on 8 muscle regions of interest (ROI) using four statistical methods (histogram, co-occurrence matrix, gradient matrix, runlength matrix) and one structural (mathematical morphology) method. Nine senior radiologists assessed full leg transverse slice images and proposed a diagnosis. The 59 extracted texture parameters for each ROI were statistically analyzed by Correspondence Factorial Analysis. Non-parametric tests were used to compare diagnoses based on automated texture analysis and visual analysis. Texture analysis methods discriminated between healthy volunteers and patients with a sensitivity of 70%, and a specificity of 86%. Comparison with visual analysis of MR images suggests that texture analysis can provide useful information contributing to the diagnosis of skeletal muscle disease.

Heterogeneous distribution of polyamines in temporal lobe epilepsy

Polyamine contents were determined in human temporal lobe epilepsy. In the seven patients studied, stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) located the epileptogenic focus in Ammon's horn and neuropathological findings were limited to hippocampal gliosis and sclerosis. Each polyamine exhibited a specific regional distribution. The most important variations were observed for spermidine and spermine while putrescine levels varied less. The regional variation was predominant in middle > posterior > anterior parts of the temporal lobe. Spermine contents and the spermidine/spermine (SPD/SPM) index varied especially in the middle and posterior parts of the hippocampus. Metabolic SPD/SPM index and spermidine levels were found to be drastically increased in almost all limbic parts when compared to neocortical regions. The opposite was observed for spermine. The heterogeneous distribution of polyamines was compared to abnormal electrical activities recorded by SEEG: SPD/SPM index and spermidine levels were sharply increased in seizure onset areas and high levels of spermine were detected in temporal cortex propagation areas. The presently reported heterogeneity of polyamine contents might contribute to modulate differentially the local control of excitability in human temporal epilepsy.

Polyamines in human breast cancer and its relations to classical prognostic features: clinical implications

Experimental evidence suggest an important role of polyamines in breast cancer development. Polyamines have been determined in tissue and erythrocyte samples from 100 patients with primary invasive breast cancer and 30 patients with fibroadenomas. Statistical analysis was performed in order to determine the prognostic value of the polyamine patterns of tumor tissues and erythrocytes in comparison with clinical and histological prognostic factors. In malignant tissues, polyamine levels were significantly higher than in benign tissues. They correlated with markers of tumor aggressivity (axillary node involvement and especially with markers of high mitotic rate as Ki-67 staining, histological grade). No correlation was found between estrogen and progesterone status, tumor size and polyamine concentrations. Erythrocyte polyamines levels were identical between cancer patients and controls. The knowledge of the polyamine pattern in breast cancer could become useful in clinical practice particularly if polyamine metabolism is targeted as a therapeutic approach.

Prostate specific antigen levels in the follow up of localised prostate cancer: how does radiotherapy compare to radical prostatectomy?

This study aimed to evaluate tumor progression as assessed by PSA level of curative treatment for localised prostate cancer by either radiotherapy or prostatectomy. From 1987 to 1993, 180 patients were treated for clinically localised prostate cancer either by radiotherapy or prostatectomy. One hundred and five patients with clinical T1T2N0M0 were eligible for this study. Forty five underwent external beam radiotherapy and 60 had a radical prostatectomy. After radiotherapy PSA slowly decreased to reach a nadir 18 months after treatment. Any subsequent increase from this lowest post treatment level is associated with tumor progression. After radical prostatectomy PSA becomes undetectable and any increase will be regarded as evidence of tumor progression. The median PSA level before treatment and the median length of follow-up were comparable for the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival and biological evidence of disease progression at 5 y. Analysis of the evolution of median PSA level shows a progressive decline during the 4 y after radiotherapy. After radical prostatectomy PSA become undetectable, 4 y after treatment PSA levels become comparable in the two groups. The biochemical free survival was 60% for the prostatectomy group and 62% for the radiotherapy group. PSA is an effective marker of tumour progression after surgery or radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer. In our retrospective study recurrence rates at 5 y were not significant but direct comparisons are limited due to the Gleason score of the two groups. PSA levels can take up to 4 y to reach a nadir after radiotherapy.

Haemodynamic effects of propofol vs thiopental in infants: an echocardiographic study

Rapid i.v. induction of general anaesthesia is indicated in infants at risk of vomiting or regurgitation to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric contents. Propofol is an alternative to thiopental in infants, and we have compared cardiovascular changes when propofol or thiopental was used for induction of anaesthesia in infants. Twenty infants, ASA I or II, aged 1-11 months, undergoing elective surgery were allocated randomly to receive either thiopental or propofol for i.v. induction. Cardiovascular and echocardiographic data were recorded in both groups before, during and for 5 min after induction of anaesthesia. Doses required to induce anaesthesia in each group were mean 10.3 (SD 0.9) mg kg-1 of thiopental and 6.1 (0.6) mg kg-1 of propofol. Thiopental did not alter significantly systolic or mean arterial pressure, afterload indices, rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fibre shortening or cardiac index, but decreased shortening fraction at 1 and 5 min after induction compared with awake values. Propofol did not alter heart rate, shortening fraction, rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fibre shortening or cardiac index at 1 and 5 min after i.v. induction compared with awake values. After induction, systolic and mean arterial pressures and afterload indices decreased more after induction with both agents, but did not become abnormal. Thus propofol decreased arterial pressure more than thiopental because of an effect on afterload. Cardiac output remained unchanged with both agents.

[Outcome of renal function in 114 patients who underwent uninephrectomy for renal cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the medium-term and long-term impact of radical nephrectomy on renal function and to identify prognostic factors able to help predict deterioration of renal function in patients treated for renal cancer by radical nephrectomy, with a functionally and morphologically healthy remaining kidney.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 1992 and June 1996, 114 patients (72 males, 42 females) with renal cancer were treated by radical nephrectomy. The contralateral kidney was healthy. The mean age of the patients was 64 years (31-85 years). Pre- and postoperative renal function was assessed by serum creatinine assay, in micromol/l.

RESULTS

105 patients were alive (16 with metastases) and 9 had died. The mean follow-up of the survivors was 19.6 months (3-53 months). A slight elevation of mean serum creatinine was observed in this group after nephrectomy compared to preoperative figures (117.9 micromol/l versus 95.6 micromol/l). 37 patients (35.2%) had a postoperative serum creatinine greater than or equal to 121 micromol/l, most of them were elderly, male (81%) and/or hypertensive (43%) and/or diabetic (11%). 6 (5.7%) of these 37 patients had a serum creatinine greater than or equal to 170 micromol/l and all were hypertensive and/or diabetic.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that HT, diabetes, advanced age and male sex constitute risk factors for deterioration of renal function. The indication for conservative surgery for T1 T2 N0 M0 tumours should be discussed in the presence of these factors. In their absence and provided the remaining kidney is healthy, renal function remains relatively stable after radical nephrectomy for cancer.

Proton and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of human brain tumor extracts with automatic data classification: a preliminary study

High-resolution one-dimensional proton and phosphorus and two dimensional COSY proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy were used to investigate the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism of human brain tumors. Sixteen meningioma (MG) (benign tumors) and ten glioblastoma (GB) (malignant tumors) samples from brain surgery were treated for dual extraction of lipidic and aqueous phases before NMR processing. A highly significant variation of the 1H metabolite spectral pattern was observed between benign and malignant tumors. Double extraction method combined with both 1H and 31P NMR in vitro analyses provided a large set of biochemical information which may be statistically analyzed to elucidate tumor-specific biochemical pathways and to improve interpretation of in vivo spectra.

Polyamine deprivation prevents the development of tumour-induced immune suppression

Mice grafted with the 3LL (Lewis lung) carcinoma exhibit immune suppression: spleen cells showed decreased spontaneous interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ lymphocyte populations; in addition the polyamine content in the spleen was increased. By treating the mice with a polyamine-deficient diet containing neomycin, metronidazole and inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase and polyamine oxydase, tumour growth was reduced and the immune abnormalities were reversed. The spleen cells overproduced IL-2 by reducing exogenous sources of polyamines, but total blockade of all major polyamine sources was necessary to obtain an optimal effect both on IL-2 production and on spleen polyamine content. Irrespective of whether polyamine deprivation was started at an early or at an advanced stage of tumour growth, T-lymphocyte populations were restored to normal values, demonstrating that polyamine deprivation not only prevents tumour-induced immune suppression, but reverses established immunological disorders. In contrast to what was observed regarding IL-2 production by spleen cells and natural killer (NK) cell activity, the polyamine oxidase (PAO) inhibitor did not enhance the number of T lymphocytes. These findings are consistent with a direct effect of the polyamines on immune effector cell metabolism. They suggest an important role of the gastrointestinal polyamines and of PAO activity in the regulation of IL-2 production.

Erythrocyte spermine levels: a prognostic parameter in childhood common acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Polyamines have been implicated to play a role in cell proliferation and in cancer development. Ninety percent of the circulating spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) are transported by red blood cells (RBC). RBC Spd and Spm levels were prospectively determined in 63 unselected children with common acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The Spm and Spd levels were not correlated with white blood cell (WBC) count. On the basis of the polyamine levels it was possible to discriminate four groups with P< 10(-3). In C1, C2, C3 and C4 group the Spm level was respectively 90 (39-597), 3.75 (1-7.45), 9.95 (2.9-12.6) and 17(6.3-33.8). The probability of relapse-free survival (RFS) of the 58 children who entered complete remission was 55% +/- 9. For the groups C1 (n = 6), C2 (n = 16), C3 (n = 21) and C4 (n= 15) groups, the RFS was 25% +/- 20, 73% +/- 12, 73% +/- 13 and 32% +/- 13 respectively. For children with Spm levels <13/> or = 13nmol/8 x 10(9) RBC, event-free survival (EFS) was 54% +/- 11/33% +/- 10 and RFS was 64% +/- 12/38% +/- 11 respectively (P < 0.03, P < 0.005). Our clinical study shows clearly that an RBC spermine level could be used as parameter of prognosis at the time of diagnosis, particularly for patients with intermediary WBC count.

Pretherapeutic erythrocyte polyamine spermine levels discriminate high risk relapsing patients with M1 prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Androgen deprivation is currently the standard treatment for patients with metastatic prostate carcinoma. Few reliable prognostic markers are able to select, at diagnosis, patients who will respond favorably and durably to hormone ablation. Circulating polyamines, markers of cell proliferation that are elevated in prostate carcinoma, have been evaluated as a prognostic tool.

METHODS

Eighty-eight patients with untreated, M1 classified prostate carcinoma who received endocrine therapy between 1988 and 1993 were included in this study. Performance status, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatases, prostate specific antigen, Gleason tumor grade, extent of disease by bone scan, and circulating erythrocyte spermidine and spermine were correlated with observed progression free and cause-specific survivals. Multiple correspondence analysis and ascending hierarchical classification were performed to determine significant pretreatment prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Pretreatment performance status, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte spermine levels were correlated with progression, with hemoglobin and erythrocyte spermine level being the most significant independent variables (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). With regard to cause specific survival, only hemoglobin and spermine erythrocyte levels were significant independent variables (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0005, respectively). Patients with spermine levels of less than 9 nmol/8.10(9) had a statistically better outcome than patients with 9 nmol/8.10(9) or more erythrocytes. Erythrocyte spermine was the best sole determinant of progression. A test combining spermine with performance status or hemoglobin improved each variable's predictive values.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating erythrocyte spermine levels, extracted from a blood sample, can discriminate, at diagnosis, patients with hormone-refractory from those with hormone-responsive metastatic prostate carcinoma.

Polyamine deprivation provokes an antalgic effect

It is well established that inhibition of putrescine formation using D,L-2-(difluoromethyl)ornithine and feeding a polyamine-deficient diet together with non-absorbable antibiotics (neomycin and metronidazole), prevent almost completely the growth of tumors in rats. A similar regimen given to patients with prostate cancer not only reduced the titer of prostate specific antigen in serum, but surprisingly provoked at the same time an antalgic effect. This observation led us to study the potentiation effect of polyamine deprivation on pain threshold in healthy rats. Animals were fed for 2 weeks with an artificial diet of known polyamine content, in combination with antibiotics and 2-(difluoromethyl)ornithine, and were then submitted to pain stimuli using two models, the Randall-Selitto test and the Tail-Flick test. Polyamine deprivation produced in these models an increase in the latency of the response, even under conditions which did not produce significant changes of the polyamine concentrations in blood and brain. From these observations, we may conclude that the polyamines play a role in the perception of nociceptive stimuli under physiological conditions.

Red blood cell polyamines, anaemia and tumour growth in the rat

In rats with Mat Lylu prostatic carcinoma, significant changes in blood composition and red blood cell (RBC) characteristics were observed. Anaemia, characterised by a decrease in the number of RBC and the reduction of haemoglobin and the iron content in plasma, was correlated with tumour size and the accumulation of spermidine and spermine in the RBC. In large tumours, spermidine levels were increased by 8-fold over normal value. Spleen weight and splenic spermidine concentrations were enhanced in animals with tumours. After splenectomy, the rate of tumour growth decreased by 30%. It is proposed that anaemia in tumour-bearing animals is caused by enhanced RBC lysis, owing to the alteration of the rheological properties of RBC. These may be caused by the alterated surface characteristics due to polyamine accumulation. RBC lysis and high concentrations of polyamines in RBC and spleen appear, not only to favour tumour growth, but also to compromise the immunological defence mechanisms against neoplastic invasion.

Serum and tissue distribution of a fragment of cytokeratin 19 (cyfra 21-1) in lung cancer patients

A sensitive and relatively specific tumoral marker for lung epidermoid carcinomas could be used to identify patients likely to benefit from new therapeutic protocols. The cyfra 21-1 fragment of cytokeratin 19 has raised much hope in this regard amongst both technologists and clinicians. In a study of 195 subjects, we have shown by means of a serum assay that the usual cut-off value for this marker (3.3 ng/ml) can be lowered to 1.5 ng/ml without loss of specificity, and with an increase in sensitivity. There was a good correlation between serum marker level and tumor extension, but though cyfra 21-1 was not predictive of the suitability of a patient for surgery. A decrease of cyfra-21-1 was observed after complete resection of the tumor. There was no relation between serum assay results and immunohistochemical findings.

Erythrocyte polyamine levels: an indication of successful engraftment of bone marrow in children

We studied the evolution of erythrocyte polyamine levels after 17 autologous bone marrow transplants (BMT) in 16 children with malignant diseases. We found that the time to the end of aplasia (0.5 x 10(9) granulocytes per liter) could be divided into 2 distinct periods. The first is characterized by low erythrocyte spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) levels; the second is characterized by normal levels of polyamines. Spd and Spm levels were correlated (r = 0.74) during the second period, but not during the first period or in the control group. Furthermore, the time when Spd concentration was > or = 7 nmol/8 x 10(9) erythrocytes (19 +/- 7) was correlated (r = 0.64) with the advent of end of aplasia (30 +/- 10). We found no correlation between the numbers of CFU-GM and duration of aplasia levels or the duration of period A. The establishment of normal erythrocyte spermidine levels is the earliest index of successful marrow engraftment.

1H nuclear magnetic resonance of human seminal plasma in in vitro fertilization attempts: use of automatic spectrum analysis

Seminal plasma affects the quality of spermatozoa. The possible use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of human seminal plasma to determine a full biochemical profile that would allow the prediction of successful in vitro fertilization was examined. Two seminal plasma patterns (GI and GII) were found. The main compounds in GI were glycerophosphorylcholine, citrate and lactate, and in GII, choline and amino acids. These patterns did not fit into the usual spermogram classes. However, GI exhibited the higher pregnancy rate, suggesting that the equilibrium established between the components in seminal plasma affected not only the quality of spermatozoa but also embryonic quality.

Erythrocyte polyamines and prognosis in stage D2 prostatic carcinoma patients

We studied 43 patients with newly diagnosed, untreated, stage D2 prostatic carcinoma, and correlated the initial performance status, hemoglobin, prostate specific antigen levels, tumor Gleason grade, extent of disease on the bone scan, and erythrocyte spermidine and spermine levels with progression. Three patients died of unrelated causes and were excluded from the study, 16 remained in remission with a mean 28 +/- 11 months of followup and 24 had progression (18, or 75%, of whom died of the cancer) with a mean 12 +/- 9 months of followup (p < 0.05 for followup) after initiation of hormonal therapy. Pretreatment performance status, hemoglobin, and erythrocyte spermidine and spermine levels were correlated with progression, hemoglobin and spermine being the most significant independent variables (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). Concerning cause-specific survival, only hemoglobin and spermine erythrocyte levels were significant independent variables (p = 0.02 and p = 0.0025, respectively). If confirmed, polyamine erythrocyte levels obtained by a simple blood sample could discriminate at diagnosis patients with a high risk of rapid hormonal relapse who may benefit from a more aggressive primary management.

Multiparametric classification of muscle T1 and T2 relaxation times determined by magnetic resonance imaging. The effects of dynamic exercise in trained and untrained subjects

Muscle relaxation times can now be measured accurately with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), distinguishing working muscles from non-working muscles. A correlation between T2 increase and work intensity has been shown in healthy volunteers. The small amount of data on T1 relaxation times is contradictory. In addition, all the published studies have concerned short-duration exercise in subjects of unknown training level. The goals of this study were (i) to determine T1 and T2 variations in thigh muscles after long dynamic exercise, (ii) to analyse the effects of training and (iii) to determine the relationship between power output and relaxation times after exercise. Sedentary men, soccer players and tri-athletes performed submaximal dynamic exercise at a constant heart rate for 15 min. MRI was performed before and 5 min after the end of exercise. The results showed (i) that T1 increased in parallel to T2 in anterior thigh muscles and (ii) that multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical ascending classification can discriminate three subjects classes according to power output, training level and relaxation times, which fitted well with our three groups of subjects.

[Surgical treatment of colonic diverticulosis: results of a series of 70 cases]

Results are reported on a series of 70 patients operated upon for colon diverticulosis, surgery being elective in only 23 (32.9%) cases. Global mortality (12.9%), was higher in patients over 70 years of age (P < 0.01) and for emergency cases (17% against 4.3% (NS) after cold surgery). Global morbidity was 20%, the onset of septic complications being influenced (p < 0.01) only by treatment with antiinflammatory drugs. Despite the absence of precise factors predictive of the course of diverticular disease, it should be possible to further improve the very poor prognosis in patients with serious septic complications (Hinchley's stages I to IV) by: prophylactic colectomy in symptomatic diverticulosis, improved evaluation by complementary examinations, notably the scanner, of localized septic complications (stages I and II), with the possible association of guided puncture to avoid the septic areas and to allow performance of a cold colectomy without the need for colostomy. Certain severe septic complications may still develop and these cannot be totally prevented by any therapy. In these cases preference is given to resection of the septic focus using mainly Hartmann's operative techniques. Further studies are needed to evaluate those cases where protected anastomotic resection provides the best results, since in the long term the incidence of re-establishment is higher.

[Prognostic factors for peritonitis in elderly patients. Multifactorial statistical analysis apropos of 216 cases]

The aim of this paper is to analyse retrospectively the data of our patients over 60 years old who had an acute peritonitis, localized or diffuse, to establish prognostic factors. They were 216 patients, who underwent surgical treatment between 1971 and 1990. We observed 243 variables and its significance using the chi 2 test. We divided our study in two stages: from 1.10.71 to 30.09.80 (group I = 93 patients) and from 1.10.80 to 31.01.90 (group II = 123 patients). Group I was composed by 51 men and 42 women with a mean age of 71.9 +/- 5.3 years. General mortality of this group was 36% (33 patients). Group II corresponded to 55 men and 68 women with a mean age of 74.26 +/- 7.1 years. Mortality was 23% (28 patients). Age, sex and associated clinical disorders were not significant on prognosis, meanwhile the clinical and biological form of presentation were not adequate to establish a severity index. The most common ethiologies were: biliar (24 patients = 26%) in group I and appendicular (41 patients = 32.2%) In group II. Significant factors on mortality rates in group II were: delay between onset of symptoms and surgical treatment (over 96 hs, p less than 0.05), generalized or purulent peritonitis operated after 96 hs from onset of the attack (p less than 0.05) and malignancy (p less than 0.01).

[Chronic alcoholic liver disease. Ionized blood calcium measurements in 24 patients (author's transl)]

Measurements of ionized blood calcium were carried out in 38 subjects: 14 controls and 24 patients with chronic alcoholic liver disease (non-cirrhotic in 7, cirrhotic compensated in 2 and cirrhotic decompensated in 15). Compared with the control group, a significant decrease in ionized calcium was found in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Through secondary hyperparathyroidism, this hypocalcaemia might contribute to the demineralization of the bones observed in cirrhotic patients.

[Factor analysis of correspondances applied to a study on oral hygiene]

A global analysis method (the factorial analysis of correspondances) was applied to a study of oral hygiene. This first trial showed that this method of analysis is valid in this field confirming the relationship "absence of hygiene"--"periodontal disease" and the antogonism between the presence of caries and periodontal diseases in young subjects on military duty.