PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Weller

Publications and source records attributed to E Weller.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Lack of effect of oral Mg-supplementation on Mg in serum, blood cells, and calf muscle.

UNLABELLED: Magnesium (Mg) is important for regulating ion transport and cellular metabolism in all body tissues. In skeletal muscle Mg is involved in the neuromuscular activity, excitation, and muscle contraction. Mg deficiency can cause muscle weakness and muscle cramps. Less than 1% of total body Mg is found in serum, yet the serum Mg concentration is used to assess the body's Mg status. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether an oral Mg supplementation (500 mg Mg-oxide.d-1 for 3 wk) affects exercise performance, clinical symptoms, and the Mg concentration in various body compartments in athletes with low-normal serum Mg levels (N = 10 in each group). METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, correlation analysis between the Mg concentration in serum, blood cells, and skeletal muscle was performed to establish a measure for muscle cell Mg. RESULTS: The data indicate that a 3-wk Mg supplementation did not affect exercise performance, neuromuscular activity, or muscle related symptoms. Also, the supplementation did not increase the Mg concentration in serum or any cellular compartment studied. However, in the placebo group the renal Mg clearance decreased, whereas it increased in the subjects receiving Mg supplementation. Correlation analysis revealed that serum Mg only correlated with red cell Mg and that only leukocyte Mg correlated with the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-measured muscle cell Mg concentration. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that Mg supplementation in athletes with low-normal serum Mg did not improve performance and failed to increase the body's Mg stores. Serum Mg appears to be a poor indicator for Mg in skeletal muscle or most other cellular compartments, but the concentration of Mg in mononuclear leukocytes might be used as an indicator of skeletal muscle Mg when NMR is not available.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1997

Surfactant nebulisation: safety, efficiency and influence on surface lowering properties and biochemical composition.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were, to select a nebuliser first, that operates safely in a neonatal ventilator setting and, second, that is most efficient. Thirdly, we studied the particle sizes of the surfactant aerosol. Fourthly, we studied where the nebulised surfactant is deposited in the tubing system of the ventilator. Finally, we studied whether nebulisation influences the composition and biophysical properties of surfactant. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Safety was assessed by measuring "mean airway pressures" in a test lung before, during and after surfactant nebulisation, for three jet nebulisers. The MiniNEB did not alter these pressures, and is thus safe, whereas the other two nebulisers (Intersurgical and Flo-Thru) increased these pressures. The efficiency of nebulisation was assessed by measuring the amount of phospholipid deposited in the test lung. The MiniNEB showed the highest efficiency: 10% versus 1-3% of the other two nebulisers. The particle sizes of surfactant aerosol were assessed by the laser diffraction method. Seventy percent of the particles were 1-5 microns. The deposition of surfactant aerosol in the tubing system was assessed by nebulising surfactant that was labelled with 99mTc Nanocoll. Afterwards the tubing system was imaged using a gamma camera. The majority of surfactant was deposited in the expiratory hose (28%), nebuliser (20%), Y-piece (16%) and expiratory filter (12%). Finally the phospholipid composition, spreading velocity, static and dynamic surface tensions were assessed for the nebulised surfactant and compared to the stock surfactant. In addition, nebulised surfactant was instilled in premature rabbits and tidal volumes were measured to assess the dose-response relation. We found that neither the composition nor biophysical properties had been altered by nebulisation. CONCLUSIONS: The MiniNEB nebulised surfactant safely in a neonatal ventilator setting with respect to airway pressures. The efficiency of nebulisation is low: the majority of the surfactant aerosol is deposited in the expiratory tubing. The surfactant composition and function is not altered by nebulisation. Therefore the nebulisation of surfactant is feasible, but efforts should be made to improve the efficiency of this procedure.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1996

Bupropion hydrochloride in attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity.

OBJECTIVE: This is a multisite, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the safety and efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of children with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH). METHOD: In a four-center, double-blind comparison of bupropion (n = 72) and placebo (n = 37), children aged 6 to 12 years meeting DSM-III criteria for ADDH were randomized to receive bupropion 3 to 6 mg/kg per day or placebo, administered twice daily, at 7 A.M. and 7 P.M. Measures of efficacy included the Conners Parent and Teacher Questionnaires (93-item, 39-item, and 10 item), Clinical Global Impressions Scales of Severity and Improvement, the Sternberg Short-Term Memory Task, and the Continuous Performance Test. Screen and posttreatment physical examinations, electrocardiograms, electroencephalograms, and clinical laboratory evaluations were performed. Height, weight, and vital signs were measured and adverse experiences were assessed weekly. RESULTS: A significant treatment effect, apparent as early as day 3, was present for both conduct problems and hyperactivity on the Conners 10-item and 39-item teacher's checklist, and at day 28 for conduct problems and restless-impulsive behavior on the 93-item parent questionnaire. Findings were of smaller magnitude for parent ratings than teacher ratings. Significant treatment effects were present on both the Continuous Performance Test and memory retrieval test. Effect sizes of bupropion/placebo differences for teacher and parent ratings in this study were somewhat smaller than for standard stimulant drugs used to treat ADDH. Bupropion appeared to be well tolerated in most children. Dermatological reactions were twice as frequent in the drug group as the placebo group, with four reactions involving rash and urticaria that were serious enough to require discontinuation of medication. CONCLUSIONS: Bupropion may be a useful addition to available treatments for ADDH. Comparative trials with such standard drugs as methylphenidate are warranted to determine the relative clinical merits of bupropion.

Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation↗
PubMed1996

[Functional electromyostimulation of the penile corpus cavernosum (FEMCC)]. Initial results of a new therapeutic option of erectile dysfunction].

Transcutaneous application of low-frequency electric current in the treatment of partially or temporarily denervated striated muscles is widely used to prevent or treat muscular atrophy. Due to the high regenerative capacity of smooth muscle cells, this approach should be beneficial in the treatment of diseases with smooth muscle degeneration due to partial denervation. Our study was done to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of transcutaneous application of low-frequency electric current to the corpus cavernosum penis in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. After a comprehensive work-up, 22 patients with chronic erectile dysfunction (21/22 vasoactive nonresponders) received daily (3-5 x 20 min) transcutaneous functional electromyostimulation of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscles (FEMCC; zero line symmetric impulses of trapezoid shape, two-channel device with alternating stimulations, f = 10-20 Hz for channel I and 20-35 Hz for channel II; t(i) = 100-2000 microseconds, approx. 12 mA, rise time 0.5 s, stimulation time 5 s per channel, interval between stimulations 0.5 s). Five of 22 patients (23%) regained full spontaneous erections and another three (14%) responded to vasoactive drugs after FEMCC. Fourteen were FEMCC failures, including two who subjectively 'improved'. In a similar group of patients evaluated during the same period but receiving no therapy, no spontaneous improvement of the erectile function was observed. Our preliminary results suggest that FEMCC is feasible and results in an improvement of the erectile capacity in a significant proportion (37%) of patients. Further studies will be carried out to corroborate our results, to improve stimulation parameters and to evaluate selection criteria for FEMCC.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Functional electromyostimulation of the corpus cavernosum penis--preliminary results of a novel therapeutic option for erectile dysfunction.

Transcutaneous application of low-frequency electric current in the treatment of partially or temporarily denervated striated muscles is widely used to prevent or treat muscular atrophy. Due to the high regenerative capacity of smooth-muscle cells, this approach should be beneficial in the treatment of diseases with smooth-muscle degeneration due to partial denervation. Our study was done to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of transcutaneously applied low-frequency electric current on the corpus cavernosum penis in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. After a comprehensive workup, 21 patients with chronic erectile dysfunction (20/21 vasoactive nonresponders) received daily (3-5 x 20 min) transcutaneous functional electromyostimulation of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscles [FEMCC; zero-line symmetric impulses of trapezoid shape, 2-channel device with alternating stimulations; frequency (f), 10-20 Hz for channel I and 20-35 Hz for channel II; impulse duration (ti), 100-150 microseconds; approx. 12 mA; rise time, 0.5 s; stimulation time, 5 s/channel; pause between stimulations, 0.5 s. In all, 4/21 patients (19%) regained full spontaneous erections and another 3/21 (14%) responded to vasoactive drugs after FEMCC. Overall, 14/21 were FEMCC failures, including 2 who subjectively "improved." In a similar group of patients who were evaluated during the same period but received no therapy, no spontaneous improvement in erectile function was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Immunohistochemical detection and prognostic significance of p53 in the primary tumor of breast carcinoma patients].

The occurrence of the p 53 gene mutation in breast carcinoma tumour cells, leads to the accumulation of mutant p 53 protein types, whose consequence is the loss of the negative regulation normally exercised by the p 53 gene, which is considered to act as a tumour suppressor. It is possible to demonstrate the presence of mutant p 53 protein types in tumour cell nuclei by applying immunohistochemical procedures to paraffin sections (Clon DO 1, Dianova). We tested 482 primary breast carcinomas for the presence of these proteins, and positive immunohistochemical findings for mutant p 53 proteins were recorded in 21.6% of the cases. In another 14.3% of these breast carcinomas, less than 10% of the tumour cells exhibited positive staining. In the other 64.1% of cases, the immunohistochemical findings for p 53 proteins were entirely negative. Independent of the immunohistochemical staining results, we performed a retrospective analysis of the disease course of this group of primary breast carcinomas: it emerged, that p-53-positive breast carcinomas had a significantly less favourable prognosis as compared to primary tumours, which were negative or weakly positive for this protein group. The accumulation of p 53 proteins in tumour cell nuclei is correlated with negative oestrogen- and progesterone-receptor status, as well as with the degree of proliferation exhibited by the breast carcinoma. Such accumulation is, in contrast, unaffected by the tumour stage, its histological grading, menopausal status, and the overexpression of c-erb B2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus markers among hospital employment applicants.

To delineate baseline seroprevalence rates before job placement, applicants for employment (n = 300) at a large urban medical center were screened for serologic markers to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during a 15-week period in 1992. Eighteen applicants (6%) were positive for antibodies to HBV, nine (3%) for HCV, and 3 (1%) for HIV. There was no association by gender for any of these viral markers; however, both HBV and HCV were significantly more often detected in persons applying for hourly positions who were black. In an urban setting, preemployment screening of health care workers for HBV and HCV markers appears warranted, and serum banking for later HIV analysis, should a claim arise, is suggested.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[Long-term effects of breathing exercises and yoga in patients with bronchial asthma].

To compare the effects of breathing exercises (BE) or Yoga (Y) on the course of bronchial asthma we studied 36 subjects with a mild disease. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups. 2 of them participated in a 3 weeks training program of BE or Y while the third group rested without any additional treatment (control group, C). At the end of the training period the patients were asked to practise BE or Y on their own. Drug therapy and lung function parameters before and after a beta 2-agonist metered dose inhaler (albuterol, ALB) were recorded prior to the training program and in 4 weeks intervals for 4 months thereafter. The response to the beta 2-agonist was documented continuously in 28 patients. The mental state of the patients was elucidated by questionnaires.--Prior to the study a significant effect of inhaled ALB on the FEV1 was shown without any significant between group differences. Both, BE and Y, caused a significant amelioration of the mental state but only the BE induced a significant improvement of lung function parameters compared to the individual baseline values. The FEV1 increased significantly by 356.3 +/- 146.2 ml (p < 0.05) and the VC by 225.0 +/- 65.5 ml (p < 0.01). These long-term changes were not significantly different from the actual response to ALB. BE decreased the RV significantly by 306.3 +/- 111.6 ml (p < 0.05), an effect significantly higher compared to the beta 2-agonist (p < 0.01). BE in combination with ALB caused an additive effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Effects of bovine surfactant in premature lambs after intra-tracheal application.

Twenty-two premature lambs (gestational age 124-125 days, term 144-160 days) were intubated and supported by infant ventilators immediately after delivery. Respiratory rate was 60/min, inspiratory time 0.4 s, peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) 35 cm H2O, positive endexpiratory pressure (PEEP) 2 cm H2O, FiO2 1.0. 15 min after delivery 10 lambs (group 1) were treated with 35 mg/kg body weight bovine surfactant (SF-RI 1), whereas 1 ml/kg body weight saline was instilled in 12 lambs as controls (group 2). Sequential measurements of blood gases and acid base status (every 30 min) as well as continuous registration of PIP, PEEP, respiratory rate and tidal volume (TV) were performed in all lambs for 300 min. PIP was varied between 20 and 40 cm H2O in order to attain paCO2 values between 35 and 50 mm Hg. Significantly improved oxygenation was observed in group 1 lambs with maximum differences 30 min after delivery for 2 h. Ventilation was likewise affected: paCO2 and PIP values were significantly lower in the surfactant-treated animals (group 1). Total lung-thorax compliances (calculated from TV and delta P, i.e. PIP-PEEP) per kg body weight also significantly reflected the improvement of pulmonary function in group 1 compared to group 2 lambs. Intratracheal instillation of SF-RI 1 improved gas exchange in premature lambs, whereas control animals exhibited severe respiratory failure characteristic of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Animals↗
PubMed1990

The effect of concomitant disorders in childhood depression on predicting treatment response.

Children with pure depression or depression plus an anxiety-related disorder (n = 14) had a higher drug response rate (57%) and a lower placebo response rate (20%) when compared to children with depression plus a concomitant conduct or oppositional disorder (n = 17) (33% drug response rate and 67% placebo response rate). These findings could explain why studies of prepubertal-onset depression found no differences between drug and placebo treatment assuming that a large percentage of the studies' subjects had concomitant conduct or oppositional disorders. The children with pure depression or depression plus an anxiety-related disorder had different symptom clusters from those with depression plus a concomitant conduct or oppositional disorder. The former had more severe CDRS ratings on sleep, appetite disturbance, depressed feelings, and psychomotor retardation. In contrast, those with a concomitant conduct or oppositional disorder had shorter attention spans and were more likely to disturb other children (based on Conners scale scores).

Child↗
PubMed1989

A descriptive profile of the depressed child.

We have identified a number of basic descriptive features common to the prepubertal child (aged 6-12) who meets criteria for an objectively defined mood disorder in the inpatient psychiatric setting. Clinical and structured diagnostic interviews conducted with both the child and the parent revealed that DSM-III criteria for major adult mood disorders were easily met by the depressed children. The symptom profile for the child is similar to the adult profile: feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair; depressed mood; vegetative symptoms of low energy, appetite loss, and disturbed sleep; and quite frequently suicidal ideation and/or action. Noteworthy is the fact that most of the parents did not bring their children to the setting reporting that they (either themselves or the child) were depressed. The parent was most likely to focus on the change in school performance and on relationships with siblings or other family members (withdrawal, more fighting and irritability, anhedonia, etc.). In sum, our findings indicate that children with MDD tend to have family histories of psychiatric disorder, school problems, and psychosocial adjustment problems. We have also found IMI to be effective in treating the disorder (e.g., Hughes & Preskorn 1989; Preskorn et al. 1982, 1986, 1987). Thus, early diagnosis and effective treatment are possible. This conclusion raises the possibility that steps can be taken to prevent (or at least interrupt) the long-term sequelae (e.g., chronic dysthymia, impaired self-image, impaired psychosocial adjustment) of untreated depressive episodes in prepubertal children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Child↗
PubMed1987

The fragile site (17)(p12): induction by AT-specific DNA-ligands and population cytogenetics.

The rare fragile site at 17p12 can be induced in lymphocyte cultures with the AT-specific DNA-ligands distamycin A, DAPI, Hoescht 33258 and berenil. The optimum culture conditions for the experimental induction of fra(17)(p12) were studied. There are indications that fra(17)(p12) is a late-replicating chromosome region in which AT-rich DNA is located. The fragile site also occurs spontaneously in cell cultures of most fra(17)(p12) carriers. A population screening of 250 unselected individuals showed that the frequency of carriers heterozygous for fra(17)(p12) is 2%. The results are compatible with a population being in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with respect to fra(17)(p12) and its non-fragile allelomorph. Neither the heterozygous nor the homozygous condition of fra(17)(p12) have any deleterious effects.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Forearm muscles of man can reverse their function after tendon transfers: an electromyographic study.

In patients suffering from paralysis of a major synergistic muscle group tendon transfers can be considered the therapy of choice in restoring the mobility of the affected joint(s). In order to study the mechanisms underlying the subsequent reversal of function in the transferred muscles, we have recorded the EMG of several forearm muscles in parallel and compared their activation periods with control data from healthy volunteers. Slow and fast extension-flexion movements of the wrist were evaluated. The findings demonstrated a 'new' phasic EMG activity within the transferred muscles, which correlated to their new mechanical function. However, the 'old' EMG pattern was not lost. In some muscles it was present in fast and slow wrist movements, in others only in fast ones. The results indicate that the reversal of function observed in the transferred muscles can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the movement to be performed.

Adaptation, Physiological↗