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Biomedical subjects

C Huber

Publications and source records attributed to C Huber.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Detection of antibodies against the larva of Anisakis simplex in the pollock Pollachius virens using ELISA].

From the fact that older saithes (more than 5 years old) are showing significantly lower prevalence of attack by Anisakis larvae in lateral muscle than younger saithes (3-4 years old), the question arises if this phenomenon is based on a specific immune response. Therefore we have investigated serum samples from saithes of different ages by using an indirect ELISA to estimate the antibody-titer against excretory-secretory Anisakis antigen. Results showing a moderate correlation (r = 0.66) between the height of titer and the age of underfeeding saithes (post spawning) and a close correlation (r = 0.93) of saithes in an optimal condition (pre spawning). It may be concluded that the migration-distance and the lifetime of Anisakis larvae in lateral-muscle is influenced by a specific immune response which increases with the age of the saithes.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

[Impairment of the cognitive faculties and the reaction capability caused by midazolam despite reversal using flumazenil].

Imidazobenzodiazepine (flumazenil) is a specific competitive benzodiazepine antagonist. It antagonizes the sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsive, anxiolytic and the muscle-relaxant effects of benzodiazepines. Its efficacy is prompt and complete. In several studies rebound phenomena have been observed. It was the aim of this randomized double blind study to investigate the efficacy of flumazenil by psychometric tests. The psychometric parameters we used were cognition and choice reaction time of 12 young and healthy volunteers. Three medication groups (A, B and C) were formed for this investigation. In a cross over design all volunteers had to be treated in each of these three medication groups. Between the groups we set a test-free interval of 7 days for every volunteer. In medication group A (midazolam/flumazenil) we applied 15 mg midazolam. Reversion was performed after 60 min with 0.5 mg flumazenil. In medication group B (placebo/flumazenil) midazolam was replaced by a physiological solution of sodium chloride. In medication group C (placebo/placebo) midazolam and flumazenil were substituted by a physiological solution of sodium chloride. For the investigation of the psychometric parameters (cognition and choice reaction time) we used the so called syndrome kurz test (SKT) and the decision reaction time measuring instrument ("Entscheidungs-Reaktionszeit-Messgerät"; ERM). Psychometric investigations were performed in all groups at intervals of 5, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min. Our results show that cognitive abilities remain impaired up to 60 min after the administration of flumazenil. Decision time and choice reaction time improved 120 min after administration of the antagonist. In our investigation neither rebound phenomena nor agonistic reactions of flumazenil were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

A human immunoglobulin kappa orphon without sequence defects may be the product of a pericentric inversion.

The VK gene segments that have been transposed from the kappa locus on the short arm of chromosome 2 at 2p11-12 to other chromosomal sites are called orphons. The 18 VK orphons sequenced up to now carry defects and are to be considered pseudogenes. We now describe the VKI gene segment V108 whose sequence is without any defects and which was localized to the long arm of chromosome 2 at 2q12-14 by in situ hybridization. The V108 region may have been transposed from the short to the long arm of chromosome 2 by a pericentric inversion. Possible reasons for the conservation of its sequence are discussed. In spite of its bona fide sequence V108 is considered to be an unlikely candidate for a VK-JK rearrangement and subsequent functional expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Dandy-Walker variant malformation, spastic paraplegia, and mental retardation in two sibs.

Two sibs, a boy and a girl, had both hypoplasia of the cerebellar hemispheres and partial agenesis of the cerebellar vermis with normal communication between the fourth ventricle and arachnoid spaces, i.e., the manifestations of the Dandy-Walker variant malformation associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Both sibs were mentally retarded and had spastic paraplegia. The occurrence of a distinct and similar pattern of congenital anomalies in sibs born to healthy parents points toward a "new" syndrome caused by the homozygous state of an autosomal recessive gene. Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis is possible at least for the more severe form of the brain anomalies.

Brain↗
PubMed1990

Recombinant interferon-alpha-2C in chronic myelogenous leukaemia: relationship of sensitivity of committed haematopoietic precursor cells in vitro (BFU-E, CFU-GM, CFU-Meg) and clinical response.

In an ongoing phase-II trial we aimed to predict clinical responsiveness of Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph1+) chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) to recombinant IFN-alpha-2C (rIFN-alpha-2C) by pretesting in vitro. From five normal controls and 14 CML patients in chronic phase, bone marrow samples were taken before treatment and tested for antiproliferative activity by rIFN-alpha-2C, using a microagar culture system for BFU-E, CFU-GM, and CFU-Meg. Light-density nucleated bone marrow cells were stimulated for BFU-E and CFU-Meg colony formation with Alpha medium containing 20% serum obtained from a patient with severe aplastic anaemia. CFU-GM growth was induced with conditioned medium from the cell line GCT. In normal controls BFU-E, CFU-GM and CFU-Meg colony formation was inhibited by rIFN-alpha-2C in a dose-dependent manner. BFU-E proved to be the most sensitive cell lineage (IC50: 65; range: 53-116 U/ml) whereas CFU-GM was about 20 times less sensitive (IC50: 643; range: 480-897 U/ml). The sensitivity of CFU-Meg ranged between these two colony types with 50% growth inhibition at an IFN concentration of 160 (range: 68-246 U/ml). A heterogeneous response to rIFN-alpha-2C in vitro was seen in CML patients. Three of the 14 patients were 'resistant' to rIFN-alpha-2C in vitro with IC50 values for BFU-E, CFU-GM and/or CFU-Meg colony formation greater than 10(4) U/ml. Patients were subsequently treated with a daily dose of rIFN-alpha-2C of 5 x 10(6) U. Four patients achieved a complete and six achieved a partial haematological response. Of the four non-responders three rapidly progressed into blastic crisis. Thus it was seen that treatment failure to interferon was accompanied by IFN-resistance in vitro of BFU-E, CFU-GM and/or CFU-Meg colony formation by bone marrow precursors (p less than 0.01). These results suggest a predictive value of IFN-sensitivity testing in vitro in Ph1 + CML.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Treatment of cancer patients with recombinant interferon-gamma induces release of endogenous tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: 1) to investigate serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in patients treated with recombinant interferon-gamma and 2) to relate changes in TNF serum levels to other biological responses observed during treatment with interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). PATIENTS: Five patients suffering from metastasizing renal cell carcinoma. INTERVENTION: Each patient received three treatment cycles of 10 micrograms, 100 micrograms and 500 micrograms IFN-gamma applied three times at weekly intervals. The treatment cycles were separated by a therapy free interval of two weeks. The order of dose levels was randomly assigned to each patient. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IFN-gamma and neopterin serum levels, monocyte counts in the peripheral blood and body temperature were measured immediately before and 4, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after each application of IFN-gamma. Results indicated that elevated serum levels of TNF-alpha are induced by 100 micrograms and 500 micrograms IFN-gamma. Repeated application of the same dose led to downregulation of TNF release into the serum. Changes in TNF serum levels did not correlate with the magnitude of febrile reactions, neopterin production or IFN-gamma serum levels.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Influence of local radiotherapy of breast cancer patients on the frequency of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor cells.

Alloantigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor (CTL-p) frequencies were analyzed in ten patients with histologically proven breast cancer receiving prophylactic RT. The frequency of CTL-p was assessed by limiting dilution (LD) analyses before, immediately after discontinuation of treatment and at various times following RT. The number of pbmnc, adherent cells and T cells was determined in parallel. Local RT led to a minor and transient reduction of CTL-p frequencies lasting approximately three months: on average a 25% decrease of CTL-p numbers was seen immediately after RT. Three months following treatment, a 20% reduction was still evident. Values subsequently returned to pretreatment levels. Moreover, these changes in the frequency of antigen-specific CTL were accompanied by a 25% to 39% decrease in the blood T cell counts lasting for more than 12 months. The reductions following local RT were less pronounced than those induced by immunosuppressive drugs in allograft recipients.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Differences in non-MHC restricted cytotoxic activities of human peripheral blood lymphocytes after transfusion with allogeneic leukocytes or platelets possessing class I and/or class II MHC molecules.

MHC-unrestricted cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from 4-6 healthy donors was investigated before and after transfusion with allogeneic leukocytes or platelets. Natural killer and lectin-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (LDCC) of PBL was tested against K562 and Raji target cells in a 4-h and 16-h 51Cr-release assay, respectively. After allotransfusion with leukocytes, we found increased cytotoxic activity of each donor's PBL against all the three targets on day 3 or 7. The highest non-specific cytotoxic activity was detected against the relatively NK resistant Raji target cells. The increase of cytotoxic activity was lowest against the LDCC target (PHA-treated Raji) cells. On the contrary, no changes in cytotoxic activity against any targets were observed after allotransfusion with platelets (possessing class I HLA antigens but no HLA class II molecules). Our results suggest that HLA class II molecules, presumably by inducing immune responses, are essential for activation/generation of non-specific killing of tumor targets after leukocyte transfusion. Thrombocytes, known to be less immunogenic than leukocytes, are not effective in in vivo enhancing of non-specific cytotoxicity. Cellular activation of PBL following leukocyte allotransfusion was confirmed by detection of elevated serum neopterin and beta-2-microglobulin levels on day 3. This was not the case after platelet allotransfusion. In addition, the expression of ICAM-1 antigen (as a molecule involved directly in MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity) was also found to be increased in two donors' PBL on day 3 after leukocyte transfusion in contrast to transfusion with platelets.

Biopterins↗
PubMed1990

Secondary evaluation of hydrogel lens implants.

OBJECTIVE: To review patients currently forming part of a study of poly 2 hydroxyethylmethacrylate (P-HEMA) 'Hydrogel' intraocular lenses. DESIGN: Patients were taking part in the Hydrogel arm of a prospective trial at Scarborough Hospital. Recruitment was by letter. SETTING: District General Hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and eight from the Scarborough trial in whom a Hydrogel lens had been implanted. INTERVENTIONS: An independent assessment was carried out at a median interval of 20 months following surgery. Visual acuities were assessed with best possible refraction and the eyes examined both before and after pupil dilation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and major complications. RESULTS: 91% had visual acuities of 6/9 or better and 30% achieved 6/5. In 61% the central area (3 mm diameter) of posterior capsule was clear but 39% had significant fibrosis or pearl formation in this area and 8% had undergone posterior capsulotomy. Five major decentrations had taken place, one of which occurred following a spontaneous rupture of the posterior capsule 17.6% of patients showed significant pigment dispersion behind the IOL either on the posterior capsule or in the anterior vitreous that could not be accounted for purely by surgical trauma. An atonic iris sphincter was noted in 17% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This lens gives good visual results but its stability and tendency to cause pigment shedding need to be closely monitored.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Zinc deficiency and zinc repletion: effect on the response of rats to infection with Trichinella spiralis.

The expulsion of a primary infection of Trichinella spiralis was studied in rats fed diets containing (per kg diet) either 3 mg Zn [zinc deficient (Zn-)] or 40 mg Zn [zinc adequate (Zn+)]. A dose of 2000 muscle larvae (ML) impaired weight gain (mg/g body wt) in all groups compared with uninfected controls [eg, 0-7 d postinfection (dpi): infected Zn-, -105 +/- 10 (means +/- SEM); uninfected Zn-, 54 +/- 19 (p less than 0.001)]. In a study with 20.5 ML/g body wt, some Zn- rats were transferred at the time of infection to the zinc-adequate diet. [This was the zinc-repleted group (ZnR).] Both groups retained a group of pair-fed controls (Zn-PF and ZnRPF). The percentage dose established at 7 dpi was similar in all groups (32.5-39.3%) but at 13 dpi recoveries were 19.4 +/- 2.2% for Zn-, 0.1 +/- 0.1% for Zn-PF, 1.6 +/- 0.9% for ZnR, 0.6 +/- 0.2% for ZnRPF, and 4.1 +/- 2.2% for Zn+ (p less than 0.001). Up to 13 dpi, all groups except ZnR lost weight. These results show that zinc deficiency impairs the expulsion of T spiralis in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Zinc deprivation and zinc repletion: effect on the response of rats to infection with Strongyloides ratti.

The course of a subcutaneous weight-related infection with Strongyloides ratti was followed in rats fed diets containing either 3 mg Zn/kg diet [zinc deficient (Zn-)] or 40 mg Zn/kg diet [zinc adequate (Zn+)]. At 19 d postinfection (dpi) the proportions of larvae persisting in the intestines as adult worms were 52 +/- 2% (means +/- SEM) for Zn-, 39.5 +/- 2.5% for pair-fed Zn- (Zn-PF), and 31.6 +/- 3.2% for Zn+ (p less than 0.001, analysis of variance); some Zn- rats were then transferred to the zinc-adequate diet [This was the zinc-repleted group (ZnR).] Both groups retained a group of pair-fed controls (Zn-PF and ZnRPF). Between 19 and 28 dpi ZnR animals gained weight faster than did Zn- animals and had heavier thymuses relative to body weight. Zinc deficiency enhances the establishment of S ratti larvae in the intestine of rats and alters the characteristics of intestinal expulsion of the nematodes; however, spontaneous cure was achieved by 38 dpi in both Zn- and control groups.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Evaluation of cytokines and cytokine-induced secondary messages in sera of patients after liver transplantation.

The study objective was first to investigate serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, interferon gamma, interferon alpha, interleukin 2, beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), and urinary neopterin in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation; and second to relate their levels to clinical complications. The design used was the prospective observation study, and the setting used was the transplant unit of a university medical center. Serum samples were collected from 20 patients every alternate day from transplantation until discharge. The measurements and main results were as follows: concentrations of cytokines, B2M, and neopterin were performed using commercially available radioimmuno-assays. In seven out of nine patients with acute cellular rejections, elevated levels of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1, B2M, and neopterin were detected. The highest absolute levels of TNF-alpha were observed in patients with CMV disease. Increments in bacterial infections were comparable to those seen in the above-mentioned groups with the exception of IFN-gamma, which remained stable. IL-1 serum levels showed a different pattern with peak concentrations measured in sera before transplant and during rejection, while in the case of CMV disease levels gradually decreased. No detectable levels of IFN-alpha or IL-2 were observed. Our results indicate that enhanced endogenous production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma accompanied by elevated levels of B2M and neopterin represent a regular feature of inflammatory complications after liver transplantation. Serum cytokine levels however were not useful in distinguishing between rejection and infection. Evaluation of neopterin was more sensitive than cytokine or B2M measurement for the detection of inflammatory complications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Endogenous IFN-gamma during human bone marrow transplantation. Analysis of serum levels of interferon and interferon-dependent secondary messages.

Serum levels of interferon-gamma and the IFN-dependent marker molecules neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin were assessed in BMT recipients. Concentrations of the latter two markers were corrected for creatinine levels in order to eliminate the impact of alteration of kidney function. Serum levels were assessed daily using commercially available radioimmunoassays. Twelve patients were studied during the early phase of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation and eleven additional patients during complications of BMT. Results indicated that both the conditioning regimen for BMT as well as major clinical complications such as infection and acute graft-versus-host disease strongly influence the endogenous patterns of the lymphokine and its secondary messages. During allogeneic BMT IFN-gamma and neopterin levels exhibited a biphasic pattern with a first peak during conditioning with high-dose cyclophosphamide and a second still higher peak at the time of hemopoietic regeneration. beta-2-microglobulin ratios increased during conditioning and remained elevated throughout observation. Serious infections of bacterial and viral origin as well as GvHD were accompanied by elevated levels of all three serum parameters studied. The kinetics of enhanced endogenous production, however, differed between infectious complications and GvHD. Increasing concentrations were observed during infections subsequent to clinical manifestation, whereas they preceded disease manifestation in GvHD.

Biopterins↗