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Biomedical subjects

A Holzer

Publications and source records attributed to A Holzer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Influence of aortic blood flow velocity on changes of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity during isoflurane and sevoflurane anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We studied the influence of systemic (aortic) blood flow velocity on changes of cerebral blood flow velocity under isoflurane or sevoflurane anaesthesia. METHODS: Forty patients (age: isoflurane 24-62 years; sevoflurane 24-61 years; ASA I-III) requiring general anaesthesia undergoing routine spinal surgery were randomly assigned to either group. Cerebral blood flow velocity was measured in the middle cerebral artery by transcranial Doppler sonography (depth: 50-60 mm). Systemic blood flow velocity was determined by transthoracic Doppler sonography at the aortic valve. Heart rate, arterial pressure, arterial oxygen saturation and body temperature were monitored. After standardized anaesthesia induction (propofol, remifentanil, vecuronium) sevoflurane or isoflurane were used as single agent anaesthetics. Cerebral blood flow velocity and systemic blood flow velocity were measured in the awake patient (baseline) and repeated 5 min after reaching a steady state of inspiratory and end-expiratory concentrations of 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 mean alveolar concentrations of either anaesthetic. To calculate the influence of systemic blood flow velocity on cerebral blood flow velocity, we defined the cerebral-systemic blood flow velocity index (CSvI). CSvI of 100% indicates a 1:1 relationship of changes of cerebral blood flow velocity and systemic blood flow velocity. RESULTS: Isoflurane and sevoflurane reduced both cerebral blood flow velocity and systemic blood flow velocity. The CSvI decreased significantly at all three concentrations vs. 100% (isoflurane/sevoflurane: 0.75 MAC: 85 +/- 25%/81 +/- 23%, 1.0 MAC: 79 +/- 19%/74 +/- 16%, 1.25 MAC: 71 +/- 16%/79 +/- 21%; [mean +/- SD] P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of the CSvI vs. 100% indicates a direct reduction of cerebral blood flow velocity caused by isoflurane/sevoflurane, independently of systemic blood flow velocity.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Gram staining and lectin binding properties of Myxosporea and Sporozoea.

The staining method developed by Christian Gram was introduced as a simple and highly selective tool for demonstrating myxosporean and coccidian sporogonic stages. When using standard blood staining procedures for those enigmatic parasites it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them from fish host tissue. They clearly exhibit a partial gram-positive reaction in histological sections, but staining is variable in air dried fish organ imprints. To visualize the gram-negative background of different host tissue components in histological sections, the conventional safranin counterstain of the gram protocol may be modified as follows: after application of 2% crystal violet (basic violet 3) and Lugol's solution, sections are stained with 0.1% nuclear fast red-5% aluminum sulfate and 0.35% aniline blue (acid blue 22) dissolved in saturated aqueous picric acid. Replacement of the gram-specific dye crystal violet with 2% malachite green gave similar results in organ imprints containing myxospores or coccidia, but only in sections containing myxosporea. Staining for 1 min with an aqueous solution of 0.5% malachite green and followed 1 min washing was sufficient for rapidly demonstrating the parasite spores in organ imprints of both myxosores and oocysts. With regard to the role of acid mucopolysaccharides and other carbohydrates in the gram reaction of spores, alcian blue 8GX staining was compared to the binding of FITC-labeled WGA, GS I and GS II. Each lectin was applied at 20 microl/ml PBS, HEPES for 1 hr. Whereas WGA yielded a nonspecific pattern like the alcian blue staining, GS II resulted in a pattern similar to the gram staining results. This binding was weak in untreated specimens, but was significantly enhanced when digested first within trypsin overnight in a humid chamber at 37 degrees C. The binding of GS II to both myxosporidian and coccidian spores suggests that they are both composed of polymers containing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine residues. Furthermore, the results suggest that this hexosamine plays a key role in the gram reaction.

Alcian Blue↗
PubMed2000

CTLA4Ig inhibits T cell-dependent B-cell maturation in murine systemic lupus erythematosus.

Long-term administration of CTLA4Ig prevents the onset of disease in systemic lupus erythematosus-prone (SLE-prone) NZB/NZW F1 mice. To determine the mechanism of this effect, we engineered an adenovirus that expresses murine CTLA4Ig. Administration of a single high dose of this virus results in long-term expression of CTLA4Ig in the serum and absence of an immune response to the adenoviral vector. We administered Ad-CTLA4Ig to 19- to 22-week-old NZB/NZW F1 mice and evaluated the effect on anti-DNA antibody-producing B cells. We show that CTLA4Ig has a beneficial effect on murine SLE for as long as it is present in the serum. This effect is associated with decreased expansion of both the IgM and IgG autoreactive B-cell population, inhibition of immunoglobulin class switching, decreased frequency and altered pattern of somatic mutation, and a marked decrease in the numbers of activated CD4-positive T cells. In contrast, intrinsic B-cell hyperreactivity and the survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow, both of which are less dependent on T-cell help, appear to be unaffected by CTLA4Ig. High-dose CTLA4Ig did not induce permanent tolerance in this autoimmune disease model. Furthermore, although the mice survived in a conventional housing facility, treatment with Ad-CTLA4Ig was immunosuppressive.

Abatacept↗
PubMed1998

Improved laparoscopic operating techniques using a digital enhancement video system.

We conducted a prospective, randomized trial in a piglet model to assess the advantages of a digital enhancement video system during difficult endoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed with either conventional two-dimensional or digitally enhanced videoendoscopy. With equal amounts of extirpated lymph nodes, the operations performed with digitally enhanced videoendoscopy were significantly shorter (left lymphadenectomy p = 0.0001, right lymphadenectomy p = 0.001), had less blood loss and fewer false movements, and were associated with no complications, compared with those performed with a two-dimensional videosystem. Thus the accuracy of difficult laparoscopic techniques can be improved by three-dimensional visual perception.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Severe pneumothorax after intercostal nerve blockade. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Intercostal nerve blockade is recognized as an efficient and safe regional anesthetic technique. Although an appropriate technique was applied, we report a severe pneumothorax associated with this type of regional anesthesia. METHODS: A 57-year-old female patient underwent block of intercostal nerves 3 to 8 for interstitial radiotherapy of the left breast in the sitting position. Calcified residual foci in the right upper lobe from a previous primary infection of tuberculosis were diagnosed by preoperative x-ray. After completion of the blocks in the midline of the axilla, the patient complained of pain between the scapulas, developed severe dyspnea and panic, and felt as if her life was in jeopardy. A severe pneumothorax was diagnosed and a chest tube was placed. After the application of the chest tube, the patient recovered quickly. CONCLUSION: Extra caution should be used in applying this procedure to patients with underlying chronic lung disease, especially on the opposite side. Our case demonstrates that in all patients undergoing intercostal nerve blockade preference should be given to the approach at the dorsal angulation of the rib in the lateral or prone position due to its lower risk of pneumothorax.

Female↗
PubMed1993

[Plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and lipids in high-dose medroxyprogesterone therapy of metastatic breast cancer].

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of high dose MPA on serum cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids as well as free fatty acids given to 17 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Before the therapy, the patients with cancer revealed higher level in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids and C 12:0, C 18:0 as we found it in the control (13 patients without cancer). There was no significant change in lipid parameters by treatment with MPA whereas cortisol decreases and insulin increases under therapy. The results are discussed under biochemical aspects.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1992

[The effect of environmental factors on the occurrence of udder diseases].

The influence of housing factors on udder diseases was investigated in 2156 tiestall barns with 41893 cows and in 98 loose housed herds with 4126 cows. In loose housed herds less teat injuries were observed and also less mastitis than in tiestall barns. Within the different tiestall systems there was a trend to more udder diseases in short standings with a dung grid than in other systems. The ordinary neck chain and the "Grabner"-tethering system showed better results than the horizontal chain and the yoke tying system. Stall partitions between the cows caused a marked reduction of udder diseases. The installation of a cow trainer showed advantages regarding udder diseases. Inaccurate standing measurements (length and width) caused more udder diseases. When the metal grid was in poor condition, the incidence of teat injuries as well as udder diseases of heifers increased. Teat injuries and udder infections were more frequent when limb or digit injuries were found. Regular hoof care twice a year reduced the udder disease rate. Bedding material influenced the incidence of udder diseases positively. On farms where the cows were on pasture, the incidence of udder infections was higher than on farms where the cows were permanently housed. Heifers that were tied as calves or as juveniles showed significantly less udder diseases than those that were raised in groups. Faults in milking, defects in milking machines and deficits in milking hygiene showed a negative effect on udder diseases.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1991

[Plasma lipoprotein fractions in high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy in metastatic breast cancer].

Metabolic disorders induced by synthetic gestagens have been discussed under the aspect of single endocrine parameters or the carbohydrate or lipid metabolism. In order to obtain more complex information a prospective study of 26 patients was performed, who were treated with 1,000 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) per day over a period of 5 weeks as a second-line therapy of breast cancer. Before treatment and afterwards once a week the serum concentrations of MPA, androstenedione, DHEA-S, cortisol, prolactin, insulin, c-peptide, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and the lipoprotein fractions (VLDL, IDL, LDL, HDL) were analyzed. Besides the reduction of the androgens and changes in the glucose regulation significant effects on the lipoprotein metabolism were observed, leading to the conclusion that under high-dose gestagen therapy very complex interactions of the endocrine and metabolic system occur.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1989

[Motor speech disorder after removal of a glioblastoma in the left hemisphere: Cortical disorder or apraxia?].

A 38-year-old male patient with a deep central parietal lesion in the left hemisphere reveals a motor speech disorder but no aphasia as evidenced by linguistic testing with the Aachener Aphasietest. Nuclear magnetic resonance tomography of the brain shows no lesion of the brainstem. Whether the speech disorder can be termed cortical dysarthria or apraxia of speech is left open to discussion.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Maternal lipoproteins post partum. Qualitative and quantitative studies of the effect of lactation].

Quantitative and qualitative examinations of serum lipoproteins separated by use of discontinuous ultracentrifugation were performed in 17 lactating and 13 non-lactating healthy women 5 days and 5 weeks after delivery. In general a normalisation of the lipid parameters, which are increased during gestation, was observed during this period. Within 5 weeks after delivery all single parameters were in levels of normal non-pregnant women. A significant effect of lactation on the decrease of pregnancy-induced hyperlipoproteinemia after delivery could not be detected.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

The predictive value of behavioural risk factors for sudden infant death.

In order to examine the predictive value of risk factors for the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), we have interviewed the parents of 80 SIDS victims and 80 parents of a healthy control group. From these interviews a list of 24 clinical and behavioural symptoms was assembled which appeared to be associated with the risk for SIDS. Out of this list of 24 symptoms the average number of symptoms reported to be observable in SIDS victims was twice as large as the average number of symptoms reported for healthy controls. The following symptoms appeared markedly more often in SIDS victims than in the controls: difficulties in awakening the baby, shrill crying, apathy, few movements during sleep, and cyanosis. We have attempted to consider a possible bias in the report of the parents of deceased infants by the introduction of an "exaggeration factor". By application of Bayes' theorem the highest predictive probability, 2.7%, was found for difficulties in awakening the baby. This is approximately nine times the assumed a priori probability of SIDS of 0.3%. We conclude that behavioural risk factors have a low but still remarkable predictive probability. A behavioural pattern of apathy and sleepiness indicates risk with a high probability.

Austria↗
PubMed1988

[Retrospective study of incidents of sudden death (SIDS) in 80 infants].

The parents of 80 victims of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) participated in this retrospective study. The semistructured interview included questions concerning events preceding infants' death and the situation at the discovery of the death. Fifty-eight of the 80 SIDS victims were male, twenty-two were female. Fourty-four of the babies underwent a postmortem examination. There was a high incidence of death during the winter months and concerning the hour of the day in the morning hours. Most families (91%) had no socioeconomic difficulties--in contrast to reports of other authors. In 34% of the SIDS cases the parents reported about stress or irregularities of the daily family life cycle (journey, mayor family events, quarrels) immediately before the death of the baby. About 20% of the victims were not in the usual surrounding at the time of death. In about 30% of the SIDS victims an infection was observed. Since between the 2nd and 4th month of life a major neuronal reorganization in the central nervous system is assumed (Prechtl, 1984), stress during this period may be particularly effective and dangerous for the baby. This would explain the high incidence of SIDS during this vulnerable phase (60%) in which the baby, apparently, is unable to react properly.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1983

Determination of long-chain nonesterified fatty acids in sera of young women in different phases of the menstrual cycle. Application of a new gas chromatographic microliter method.

Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) from C12 to C24 have been determined in sera of 13 young women at menstruation, and in the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle applying a new gas chromatographic microliter method. Neither the total NEFA content nor the concentrations of individual fatty acids showed significant differences in the three phases of the menstrual cycle. With the exception of stearic acid we found almost constant relative concentration values for the individual fatty acids within the medium range of the long-chain NEFA spectrum. Intraindividual and interindividual dispersion was hardly greater than the variation caused by the method of determination itself, whereas the intra- and interindividual scattering of the rim fractions of the NEFA spectrum was much more distinct. The coefficients of variation for the as well as individual NEFA content related to all examined women at any phase of the menstrual cycle were lower than 40% with the exception of the rare erucic acid, behenic acid and lignoceric acid.

Chromatography, Gas↗