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Biomedical subjects

B Kopper

Publications and source records attributed to B Kopper.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Functional analysis of different LMP1 proteins isolated from Epstein-Barr virus-positive carriers.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis and is implicated in the development of several human malignancies. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an EBV protein with known oncogenic properties, may be important in the pathogenesis of EBV-associated tumors, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and Hodgkin's disease (HD). Several reports suggested that sequence variations in the LMP1 gene may define a more aggressive, geographically restricted EBV-genotype. Most mutations in the LMP1 gene described are located within the C-terminus of the protein. However, the effect of these mutations on the biological function of the protein remains widely unknown. Therefore, this study aimed in investigating whether mutations detected in LMP1 genes isolated from different EBV-positive carriers have an effect on the biological function of the protein. For this purpose the LMP1 genes were amplified by nested PCR from DNA out of bone marrow and peripheral blood lymphocytes and sequenced. Three functional assays were performed in order to evaluate the biological activity of the different isolates: activation of the transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 as well as the anchorage independent growth of LMP1 transfected ratl cells in soft agar. The results suggested that whereas differences in the activation of NF-kappaB through the various LMP1 isolates correlated tightly with their different expression levels, the outgrowth of transfected cells in soft agar did not and the transcription factor NF-kappaB therefore appeared not to be the major effector for the transformation of the rodent cell line ratl by LMP1. The various LMP1-isolates also differed in their capacity in activating the transcription factor AP-1. We found no correlation between the transforming ability of the LMPI isolates and activation of AP-1 suggesting that other so far uncharacterized domains also influence the transforming ability of the protein.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

The pain behavior check list (PBCL): psychometric properties in a college sample.

The Pain Behavior Check List (PBCL) was designed to assess the frequency of four dimensions of pain behavior: distorted ambulation, affective distress, facial/audible expressions, and seeking help. This study evaluated theoretical factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity of the PBCL in a nonclinical college sample. Results provided support for the four-factor oblique model, compared to the one-factor and the four-factor orthogonal models. The PBCL total and subscales showed satisfactory internal consistency. Support for convergent validity was demonstrated by high correlations between the PBCL and several measures of pain behavior and with other pain indices. In addition, results of the confirmatory factor analyses suggested that self-report measures of pain can be differentiated from self-report measures of anxiety and depression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Results in the use of extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy (EPL) for treatment of urinary calculi.

The Piezolith 2200 as an extracorporeal shock wave lithotripter uses piezoelectrically generated, high-energy sonic impulses for treatment of urinary calculi; the shock wave generator is self-focussing. Localization of concrements is performed by means of ultrasound imaging. Treatment with the Piezolith 2200 is painless for the patient and thus possible without anesthesia and analgesia. We report on 806 cases of treatment involving a total of 572 kidneys in 567 patients (561 adults, 6 children) suffering from calculi of various sizes in the renal pelvis (n = 126), calculi in the calyces (n = 384), partial (n = 24) or full (n = 19) staghorn calculi, as well as calculi in the upper part of the ureter (n = 19). In 88% of these cases the concrements could be removed completely. Since cardiac activity is not influenced by piezoelectrically generated high-energy impulses, this procedure is particularly suited to the treatment of patients with heart problems.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Nuclear medicine assessment of renal function in beagles before and after extracorporeal percutaneous lithotripsy with a piezoelectric instrument system].

High energy sound pulses which are generated piezoelectrically can be used for extracorporal lithotripsy as an alternative to shock-waves. Since several years a lithotripter for renal concrements based on piezoelectrical oscillators has been developed at the Department for Urology in Homburg/Saar; W.Germany. The present paper describes animal experiments which have been carried out with Beagle-dogs in order to prove that the sound pulses used for lithotripsy do not affect renal function. This function is measured by methods of nuclear medicine (131J-Hippuran Clearance with a modified evaluation). In addition it is evaluated by 111In labelled leucocytes if inflammatory processes in the kidney are suspected. It could be demonstrated that no detremental effects on the kidneys can be detected even with the most sensitive methods of nuclear medicine.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

[Disintegration of kidney calculi with a piezoelectric instrument system. Initial clinical experiences].

Since December 1985 extracorporeal piezoelectric renal lithotripsy has been tested in humans. Up to now 50 patients with renal calculi have been treated. The lithotriptor consists of a special mobile table with an opening in the surface to apply shock waves. Urinary calculi are located by integrated ultrasound location systems. As the piezoelectrically generated high-energy sound pulse does not cause pain, treatment is possible without anesthesia. Permanent ultrasonic control of the stones in the focus during lithotripsy allows effective application of shock waves. With this piezoelectric system the electrocardiogram does not have to be triggered. So far the results have been encouraging and following these tests clinical application is expected to be successful.

Humans↗
PubMed1986

[Disintegration of kidney calculi by piezoelectrically generated high-energy sound waves. Physical principles and experimental studies].

The recently developed equipment for extracorporeal piezoelectric lithotripsy (EPL) represents an improvement concerning the shock-wave-induced disintegration of urinary calculi. While the usual spark gap transmitter needs a focusing reflector, the piezoelectric lithotriptor is based on a self-focusing spherical bowl transmitter. The stone is detected exclusively by ultrasound. For this purpose, an integrated sector scanner is used as well as the high-energy sound transmitter itself. With the piezoelectrically generated high-energy sound pulses we have succeeded in completely disintegrating implanted stones in the renal pelvis of dogs without injuring the morphology or function of the exposed kidneys.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

[Cancer induction by urinary drainage or diversion through intestinal segments?].

Since the introduction of ureterosigmoidostomy 79 cases of adenocarcinomas of the sigmoid near the implantation site of the ureters were described. Clinical and experimental data indicate that the excretion of urine and faeces together leads to endogenous nitrosamine synthesis and thus induces carcinomas. Other factors--like carcinogens excreted with the urine or chronic irritation of the mucosa by urine--could also cause carcinomas in the urine diverting parts of the intestine. Based on our own cases and a study of the literature we investigated whether other forms of urinary diversion can induce tumors. So far 4 tumor cases in ileum conduits and 2 cases in colon conduits have been reported together with 2 tumors in bladder augmentation (ileocystoplasty). We found in our material 1 case of cancer in a rectum bladder, 1 in a colocystoplasty, and 2 after ureterosigmoidostomy. In ureter substitution plasty and following Kock- or Camey-technique no cases of tumor induction have been reported so far. From the presently available data it must be concluded that urinary diversion using intestine may cause tumor induction. With the interval between surgery and evidence of tumor being at least 20 years a sharp increase in morbidity must be expected for the years after 1990. This leads to the demand that all patients with urinary diversion using intestine must be regularly evaluated by radiological, endoscopic and bioptic controls. These oncological aspects should be considered for the appropriate choice of urinary diversion especially in children.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

Development of the prostatectomy since 1966. An analysis of 3,180 patients.

An analysis of 3,180 prostatectomies (between 1966 and 1982) reveals an increasing number to sixfold from 1966 to the end of the 70s. The preoperative preparation of the patients often suffering from several cardiovascular and especially respiratory diseases (about 40%) is improved by an early cooperation of all medical disciplines involved. Important complications such as the fluid absorption toxicity could be reduced; the excessive absorption of irrigation fluid (i.e., the TUR-P syndrome) was found in about 1.0% of the cases. Postoperative complications such as epididymitis or urethral strictures can be diminished by special surgical treatment methods.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1985

[Unilateral atrophic kidney and hypertension--the value of plasma renin determination for assessing the indications for nephrectomy].

In unilateral atrophic kidney and hypertension the nephrectomy is the therapy of choice. The nephrectomy is, however, indicated only then, when a causal pathogenetic connection of atrophic kidney and hypertension is proved. As criterion of the proof of such a connection according to our experiences the side-separated determination of the plasma renin activity in the venous blood of the kidneys stood the test. A renal vein renin quotient greater than 1.5, moreover, permits a rather reliable prognostic evidence concerning the behaviour of the postoperative blood pressure. In 26 out of 31 hypertensive patients with significant renal vein renin quotient who were nephrectomized for a unilateral atrophic kidney could be achieved a normalization of the blood pressure, in the other 5 patients an improvement of the blood pressure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

[Micturition disorder as a sequela of sacral autonomic diabetic neuropathy].

Diabetic neuropathy may manifest itself also in the autonomous nervous system and thus lead to a functional disorder of the urinary bladder. Urodynamic studies carried out in 11 diabetic patients with unclear bladder dysfunction allowed 2 forms of bladder anomalies to be identified: 1. detrusor hyperreflexia, 2. hyporeflexia and areflexia of the detrusor. Whereas hyperreflexia is clinically characterised by signs of motor urgency, hyporeflexia is mainly identifiable by residual urine formation and recurrent infections of the urinary tract. Therapy depends on the type of dysfunction and consists of physiotherapeutic measures, drug therapy and occasionally surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

[Diagnosis of kidney injuries].

The exact staging of kidney damages is actually possible with the anamnesis, clinical symptomatology and different diagnostic methods. According to a greater experience the importance of the digital subtractionangiography, the sonography and computertomography is increasing The urography as a basic examination cannot be replaced by other methods, whereas only with the angiography previous to the operation the exact morphology of ruptured intrarenal arteries and injuries of the renal stalk may be found.

Humans↗
PubMed1983

[Bladder and urethral injuries - report of experiences].

Injuries of bladder and urethra cause diagnostic and therapeutic problems to urologists and surgeons. A retrospective study of 98 patients from 1975 until 1982 with pelvic trauma and damage of the lower urinary tract is presented concerning etiology, mechanism of accident and therapeutic possibilities, as well as the analysis of 24 patients with anterior urethra damage. In all 38 cases with ruptured bladder operation was performed. 66 patients with posterior urethra damage were treated with regard to their general status. In this study conservative management with catheter or cystostomy seems to be more favourable in posterior urethra damage than primary reconstructions especially when considering the rate of urethral structure. Furthermore problems of posttraumatic difficulties with sexual potency are discussed.

Adolescent↗