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Dirk Pfeiffer

Publications and source records attributed to Dirk Pfeiffer.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Notochordal cell produce and assemble extracellular matrix in a distinct manner, which may be responsible for the maintenance of healthy nucleus pulposus.

STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of proteoglycan synthesis, distribution and assembly of notochordal cells and small nucleus pulposus cells embedded in alginate beads and cultured in presence of [S]-Na2SO4. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the degeneration of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc is associated with a change in the cell phenotype. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The loss of the notochordal cell from the nucleus pulposus is associated with ageing and disc degeneration. The reduction in their numbers after birth in humans and in the chondrodystrophoid dog has been suggested to result from cell death and replacement or differentiation by chondrocytes. The almost total disappearance of the notochordal cells in the nucleus pulposus correlates with early degenerative changes in the disc and a concomitant reduction in proteoglycan content, increased collagen, and loss of water content. The basic mechanism of this accelerated degeneration with ageing is poorly understood. METHODS: Nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus cells were isolated from the lumbar intervertebral discs of chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid dogs. The cells from the nucleus pulposus were further separated by size into notochordal cells and small nucleus pulposus cells. Cells were embedded in alginate beads and cultured in the presence of [S]-Na2SO4 to measure proteoglycan size, rate of synthesis, and distribution into the pericellular and intercellular compartments. RESULTS: Large notochordal cells in the nucleus pulposus of chondrodystrophoid dogs formed 13% of the cell population in young dogs and fell to 0.4% in adults, whereas they were the predominant cell type in the nonchondrodystrophoid dogs at all ages. These cells were capable of 1.5-fold greater rate of synthesis of proteoglycans than the small nucleus pulpous cells. Proteoglycans secreted by the large cells were evenly distributed between the pericellular and intercellular compartments,whereas the small cells distributed 3-fold more proteoglycan into the intercellular phase. By size exclusion chromatography, the proteoglycans synthesized by the small cells of the chondrodystrophoid dogs formed large-size aggregates (Kav = 0.1) within the pericellular region, which then moved to the intercellular region over 5 to 10 days. In contrast, proteoglycans secreted by the notochordal cells were capable of rapid migration to the intercellular phase before assembly into large-sized aggregates. The ability to form aggregates was independent of age of the animal. CONCLUSIONS: Our model shows that a change in intervertebral disc cell phenotype correlates with the grade of disc degeneration and that the notochordal cells synthesize proteoglycans, which exhibit delayed aggregation than those synthesized by the small nucleus pulposus cells. This implies that the cell type composition of the nucleus pulposus of the chondrodystrophoid and nonchondrodystrophoid dogs produces an extracellular matrix that is assembled in a distinct manner, which may affect tissue integrity.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A case study of capture-recapture methodology using scrapie surveillance data in Great Britain.

We applied capture-recapture methodology (CRC) to data from three surveillance sources (statutory notification, abattoir survey (AS) and fallen stock (FS) survey) to estimate the number of holdings infected with scrapie in Great Britain and to assess the sensitivity of the surveillance network. Between January 1, 2002 and March 31, 2003, 144 holdings were identified by the three sources. Using CRC modelling techniques, we estimated a minimum lower bound for the total number of holdings infected as 642. A biologically plausible positive dependence between the statutory reporting and the fallen stock survey was found statistically significant. The sensitivity of the three sources combined was very low. The integration of the three overlapping sources provided a better understanding of the interactions within the surveillance network. However, the scarcity of the data and reduced overlapping among sources only allowed for very cautious inferences to be drawn about the true proportion of scrapie affected holdings in the national population. Future surveys and surveillance activities should be planned such that the resulting data can be used more effectively as part of CRC modelling approaches.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1999

Synthesis, Structure, and Molecular Orbital Studies of Yttrium, Erbium, and Lutetium Complexes Bearing eta(2)-Pyrazolato Ligands: Development of a New Class of Precursors for Doping Semiconductors.

Treatment of yttrium metal with bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury (1.5 equiv), 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole (3 equiv), and pyridine (2 equiv) in toluene at ambient temperature for 120 h afforded tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)bis(pyridine)yttrium(III) (33%). In an analogous procedure, the reaction of erbium metal with 3,5-dialkylpyrazole (alkyl = methyl or tert-butyl), bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury, and a neutral nitrogen donor (4-tert-butylpyridine, pyridine, n-butylimidazole, or 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole) yielded tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)bis(4-tert-butylpyridine)erbium(III) (63%), tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)bis(pyridine)erbium(III) (88%), tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)bis(n-butylimidazole)erbium(III) (48%), tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolato)bis(4-tert-butylpyridine)erbium(III) (50%), and tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole)erbium(III) (59%), respectively. Treatment of tris(cyclopentadienyl)lutetium(III) or tris(cyclopentadienyl)erbium(III) with 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazole (3 equiv) and 4-tert-butylpyridine (2 equiv) in toluene at ambient temperature for 24 h afforded tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)bis(4-tert-butylpyridine)lutetium(III) (83%) and tris(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)bis(4-tert-butylpyridine)erbium(III) (41%), respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of all new complexes were determined. The X-ray structure analyses revealed seven- and eight-coordinate lanthanide complexes with all-nitrogen coordination spheres and eta(2)-pyrazolato ligands. Molecular orbital calculations were carried out on dichloro(pyrazolato)diammineyttrium(III). The calculations demonstrate that eta(2)-bonding of the pyrazolato ligand is favored over the eta(1)-bonding mode and give insight into the bonding between yttrium and the pyrazolato ligands. Complexes bearing 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato ligands can be obtained in a high state of purity and sublime without decomposition (150 degrees C, 0.1 mmHg). Application of these complexes as source compounds for chemical vapor deposition processes is discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Small intestinal volvulus in 115 horses: 1988-2000.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the historical data, signalment, clinical signs, results of laboratory analyses, treatment, and outcome of horses with small intestinal (SI) volvulus. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred and fifteen client-owned horses, aged 1 month to 21 years. METHODS: Clinical signs, laboratory data, surgical or necropsy findings, and outcome for horses with SI volvulus were obtained from medical records, identified by computer search and manual review. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in signalment between cases and the hospital population. Seventy-four percent of horses were >/=3 years. There were considerable variations in clinical signs on admission; high heart rate and signs of severe pain were not consistent features. Examination per rectum identified distended small intestine in only 69% of horses. One hundred horses had surgery, and small intestine resection was performed in 25. Eighty-four horses were recovered from surgery, and 67 horses survived to hospital discharge (80% of horses recovered from surgery, 58% of 115 horses). Forty-eight percent that were ultimately discharged had a post-operative complication and these horses had a longer average stay than horses with no complication (11 days versus 8.9 days). CONCLUSIONS: We identified 115 horses with primary SI volvulus over a 12-year period. We found that the population of horses with this lesion was older than has previously been reported and that the prognosis for post-operative survival to hospital discharge is good (80%). Post-operative complications were common, and affected approximately half the horses that were ultimately discharged from the hospital. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This information may aid diagnosis and prognosis and guide decision making for horses with this condition.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Factors associated with mortality and morbidity in small intestinal volvulus in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine historical, physical, and clinical factors that may affect morbidity and mortality in horses with small intestinal volvulus unrelated to other causes (e.g., incarceration, lipoma, etc.). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Client-owned horses (115), aged 1 month to 21 years. METHODS: Data were obtained from medical records, identified by computer search and manual review. Continuous variables were compared between affected and non-affected horses with Mann-Whitney U-tests and non-continuous variables with Fisher's exact test (2 x 2 tables) or chi(2)-tests (larger tables). Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to develop a multivariable model of the risk factors, taking account of confounding and interaction. RESULTS: Eighty percent of horses recovered from surgery survived to hospital discharge. Neither age, breed, nor sex was related to mortality. Survivors had a significantly lower heart rate, shorter capillary refill time, and better mucous membrane color. Variables associated with worsening cardiovascular status, increased hemoconcentration, and exudation of cells and protein into peritoneal fluid were significantly associated with non-survival. After recovery from surgery, the most serious complication was colic, which was significantly associated with non-survival (P=.028) as was a second celiotomy (P<.01). Both of these complications were associated with a jejunocecostomy during the first surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in the clinical and clinicopathologic signs were identified between survivors and non-survivors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings can be used to make a scientific assessment of prognosis in the pre-operative, operative, and post-operative management of horses with small intestinal volvulus.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure is related to severity of proteinuria.

BACKGROUND: Tubulointerstitial kidney disease is a common cause of illness and death in pet cats and is typically not associated with overt proteinuria. HYPOTHESIS: Proteinuria would be independently related to survival in cats with renal failure, with or without hypertension. ANIMALS: The study included 136 client-owned cats; 28 apparently normal, 14 hypertensive but not azotemic, 66 azotemic but not hypertensive, and 28 both hypertensive and azotemic. METHODS: Cox's proportional hazards model was used to determine the influence of initial plasma creatinine concentration, proteinuria (urine protein-to-creatinine ratio or albumin-to-creatinine ratio), age, and systemic hypertension on the risk of death or euthanasia during the follow-up period. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine the relation between severity of proteinuria and predictive variables, including age, plasma creatinine concentration, systolic blood pressure, sex, and urine specific gravity. RESULTS: Plasma creatinine concentration and proteinuria were very highly related to survival. The hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) for death or euthanasia was 2.9 (1.4-6.3) and 4.0 (2.0-8.0) for urine protein-to-creatinine ratio 0.2-0.4 and >0.4, respectively, compared with the baseline group with a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of <0.2 and were 2.4 (1.2-4.8) and 4.9 (2.3-10.2) for an albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 30-82 mg/g and <82 mg/g, respectively, compared with a baseline group with albumin-to-creatinine ratio of <30 mg/g. Treated hypertensive cats did not have reduced survival, although systolic blood pressure, together with plasma creatinine concentration was positively related to the magnitude of proteinuria. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite the relatively low concentrations of proteinuria typical of chronic renal disease in cats, this measurement is of prognostic significance.

Animals↗