Biomedical subjects

F Berger

Publications and source records attributed to F Berger.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

[Metastatic pancreatic endocrine tumor with elevation of alpha-fetoprotein].

Hepatoma was diagnosed in a 47 year old man presenting with multiple liver tumors and elevated alpha-fetoprotein concentration (460 micrograms/l). Liver biopsy showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma. The discovery of 2 hypervascular tumors in the splenic area at celiac arteriography led to challenge the diagnosis: ultrasound guided-aspiration biopsy showed endocrine cells at the level of the hepatic and pancreatic tumors. The diagnosis of pancreatic islet cell tumor with liver secondaries was confirmed by the pathology of the operative specimen. During the following months, alpha-fetoprotein concentration steadily increased. The patient died 5 months later from widespread metastases. At necropsy, no evidence of hepatoma was found. Immunocytochemical study with antibody raised against alpha-fetoprotein was negative both at the level of the tumoral cells and of the liver cells around the tumor. This case adds a new cause to abnormally high plasma alpha-fetoprotein. As hepatoma and endocrine tumor metastatic to the liver could be difficult to differentiate, this new cause could be clinically relevant.

Humans↗

PubMed1990

[Abrikossoff's granular cell tumors of the esophagus. Apropos of 2 cases].

Two cases of granular-cell tumors of the esophagus, occurring in two heavy drinkers and smokers, are reported. One of them had increased in volume, while the other caused dysphagia. Both were treated by local exeresis followed by an immediate histological study. The postoperative period was quite uncomplicated. The authors discuss the merits of ultrasound in the preoperative diagnosis, the problems of the relationships with cancer and the choice of treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Transient acanthosis nigricans following bone marrow transplantation for lymphoid malignancy.

Transient acanthosis nigricans (AN) was observed 3 months after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for lymphoblastic lymphoma. The patient had no endocrine abnormality and had not received any drug known to induce AN. Forty-eight months post-BMT no malignancy recurred or appeared. Although usual hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis and acanthosis were present on skin biopsy, these were associated with the finding of keratinocyte necrosis and CD8+ lymphocytic infiltrate. It is suggested that graft-versus-host disease may be one of the triggers for AN.

Acanthosis Nigricans↗

PubMed1990

Cyclosporin A-sensitive nephrotic syndrome preceding Hodgkin's disease by 32 months.

A 20-year-old man developed a massive nephrotic syndrome, rapidly complicated by pulmonary embolism and septicemia. Two renal biopsies taken 3 months apart showed minimal change glomerulonephritis. Treatment with prednisolone 1.5 mg/kg/day failed to induce a sustained remission, then monotherapy with cyclosporin A (CsA, 5 mg/kg/day) was started. Complete remission was obtained after 15 weeks. CsA was gradually tapered to 3 mg/kg/day. Twenty-two months after starting CsA, a routine examination disclosed a right sub-clavicular lymph node, of which histological examination showed a class 4 large cell Hodgkin's lymphoma. CsA was abruptly withdrawn and a polychemotherapy resulted in lymphoma remission after four courses. Ten months later, Hodgkin's disease is currently in remission and there is no relapse of proteinuria.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[Psychiatric manifestations in children with speech disorders with and without minimal brain dysfunction].

Several studies have shown not only that children with psychiatric problems are having more speech and language disorders than control groups. Moreover it has been shown that other developmental disorders are more common in groups with speech and language disorders. In a study in Munich including all children with diagnosis of specific developmental disorders of speech and language seen in our outpatient department from 1981 to 1986 we found significantly more psychiatric diagnoses in a subgroup of children with MBD. This was proved for the boys only however not for the smaller group of girls. The results are compared to studies reported in the literature and further research is suggested.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗

PubMed1989

Contribution of endoscopy to diagnosis and treatment of tumors of the ampulla of Vater.

In a series of 52 patients presenting with tumors of the ampulla of Vater, endoscopic procedures, especially endoscopic sphincterotomy and snare biopsies, permitted histologic classifications as follows: adenocarcinoma: 50%, adenoma: 35%, and adenoma with cancer: 15%. In 37% of cases, the papilla was normal endoscopically and the tumor was detected only after sphincterotomy. Destruction of adenomas by snare resection, laser photoradiation, or both after sphincterotomy was attempted in 11 patients. Subsequent biopsies revealed persistence or recurrence of adenomatous tissue in only one case and complete destruction of adenomas, with a mean duration of follow-up of 39 months, in the 10 other cases. Palliative treatment by endoscopic procedures was performed in 21 patients and was effective for a mean of 45 months for adenomas and for a mean of 6 months for adenocarcinomas, with a mortality of 10%. To avoid repeated sphincterotomy in patients requiring palliative treatment, the data support the early use of endobiliary prostheses. Endoscopic palliative treatment is not indicated, however, for infiltrative tumors that can induce rapid duodenal obstruction.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1989

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma associated with gastric adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach occurred in six of 425 consecutive patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer. In two cases, the gastric cancer, which was recognized at 17 and 29 months, respectively, after the nonsurgical treatment of the esophageal tumor, was treated by surgical resection. In three cases, the tumors which were diagnosed simultaneously, were treated by surgery (one case) resection of the gastric tumor and nonsurgical therapy for the esophageal tumor (one case), and nonsurgical therapy for both tumors (one case). In one case, a gastric cancer was resected 6 years before diagnosis of an esophageal tumor and a second cancer in the gastric stump. A nonsurgical protocol was then adopted for both tumors. The association of these two cancers raises questions concerning their epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and management. There is room for nonsurgical multimodality protocols and, in association with surgery, survival was prolonged for more than 1 year in five of six patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1989

Lymphocytic gastritis versus varioliform gastritis. A historical series revisited.

A historical series of varioliform gastritis published in 1978 by Lambert et al. (Digestion 1978; 17: 159-167) was revisited by two pathologists. The histological preparations from 35 patients were reread and interpreted in the light of endoscopic data found in the files. The results demonstrate a strict correlation between clinical diffuse varioliform gastritis and a recently recognized histopathological entity--lymphocytic gastritis, which is characterized by intense lymphocytic infiltration of the surface and foveolar epithelium. The rare discrepancies occur in Crohn's disease and in varioliform gastritis limited to part of the stomach, mostly the antrum.

Crohn Disease↗

PubMed1989

Effects of the calcium entry blocker bepridil on repolarizing and pacemaker currents in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres.

(1) Effects of bepridil (0.3-100 mumol/l) on transmembrane currents which are active during the repolarization of the cardiac action potential were studied in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres with the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Transmembrane currents were activated at a frequency of 0.03 Hz. (2) The initial inwardly rectifying current (iK1) was reduced by 1.8 mumol/l bepridil to 70% of the reference iK1-current in the absence of the drug. (3) An initial outward current, which is activated at positive membrane potentials (iinst) was depressed to 70% of reference by 14 mumol/l bepridil. (4) The time-dependent outward current (iK) was decreased by 1.8 mumol/l bepridil to 70% of its amplitude in the absence of bepridil. The biexponential time course of iK-current activation changed to be monoexponential with 100 mumol/l bepridil. The effect of bepridil on iK-current resulted in a shift of the activation curve of iK-current to more positive membrane potentials (10 mumol/l bepridil) and an additional decrease of driving force and/or conductance of the iK-channels with higher bepridil concentrations (100 mumol/l). (5) The transient outward current (ito) was completely blocked by 30 mumol/l bepridil. Inhibition to 70% of reference occurred with 1 mumol/l bepridil. The voltage-dependent inactivation of ito-current was affected by bepridil: the amplitude of the steady-state inactivation curve was reduced and ito-current was inactivated faster after application of bepridil. Bepridil caused no pronounced shift of the steady-state inactivation curve along the voltage axis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Effects of (+)- and (+/-)-sotalol on repolarizing outward currents and pacemaker current in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres.

This study was aimed to differentiate the action of (+)- and (+/-)-sotalol (10-1000 mumol/l) on membrane currents which are active during the repolarization of cardiac action potentials. Effects where studied in shortened sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres with the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Action potentials were activated at a frequency of 0.25 Hz and membrane currents at 0.03 Hz or 0.05 Hz in most experiments. Out of the currents investigated the transient outward current (ito) reacted most sensitively to (+)- and (+/-)-sotalol. Ito-amplitude was decreased on the average to 77% of reference at 10 mumol/l and to 53% at 1000 mumol/l (+)- or (+/-)-sotalol. The maximally available ito-current was decreased but the voltage-dependent control of inactivation was left nearly unchanged. The initial inwardly rectifying current (iK1), which propels the last repolarization phase of the action potential and controls resting potential to a large extent was reduced on the average to 93% of reference at 10 mumol/l and to 62% at 1000 mumol/l (+)- or (+/-)-sotalol. Time-dependent (delayed) outward current (iK) was on the average not affected by (+)- or (+/-)-sotalol up to 100 mumol/l and was decreased to 84% of reference current under the influence of 1000 mumol/l. An initial outward current, which is activated at positive membrane potentials (iinst) was not clearly affected by (+)- or (+/-)-sotalol at concentrations up to 1000 mumol/l. Pacemaker current (if) was not influenced by the drugs up to 100 mumol/l.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1989

Storage and degradation of secretory proteins in adenomatous and secondary hyperplastic parathyroid cells. An immunoelectron microscope study.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and chromogranin A/secretory protein-I (SP-I) have been localized on immunoelectron microscopy in double-fixed tissues from adenomatous and secondary hyperplastic parathyroid glands. Storage organelles, identified on the basis of their consistent labelling, included tow morphologically distinct varieties of granules/vesicles; the mature granules and the progranules. The former consisted of dense, mostly rounded, medium to large-sized bodies which were strongly labelled and predominant in the proximity of the cell membrane. The other variety of body included a spectrum of small pale vesicles/granules which were mainly located in the Golgi area. Because their morphology and their labelling pattern varied other bodies were assumed to be engaged in degradation or cleavage of the secretory proteins. These bodies comprised crinophagic structures, that is to say multivesicular bodies and large Golgi-related vesicles, as well as a number of atypical solid bodies. Whereas most of the granulated cells stored a mature or a maturing population of vesicles/granules, the process of maturation appeared to be either absent or incomplete in a number of cells from some glands. The major defects were frequently associated with an unusual labelling pattern of the Golgi area and selectively affected groups of cells from all the transitional oxyphil cell adenomas. The minor defects concerned individual cells of different types present in both categories of glands. The present data suggest that in hyperfunctioning glands, the type of hormone processing depends on the capacity of each cell in progranule maturation and that the maturation capacity may decrease dramatically in adenomatous or chronically hyperstimulated cells of the transitional oxyphil type.

Adenoma↗

PubMed1989

H1-receptor reserves in guinea-pig left atria, trachea and pig coronary artery as identified by phenoxybenzamine.

H1-receptor reserves in guinea-pig left atria, trachea and pig coronary arteries were calculated by the use of phenoxybenzamine (Pba), a beta-haloalkylamine that irreversibly blocks the H1-receptor response to histamine or 2-(2-pyridyl)-ethylamine (PEA). Equieffective concentrations of the H1-agonist in the absence (A) and presence (A') of Pba were evaluated from concentration-response curves. By plotting the reciprocal values 1/A versus 1/A' the amount of H1-receptors not occupied by the agonist was calculated. The size of the H1-receptor reserve could be estimated by comparison of the receptor occupation with the corresponding effect. Furthermore, the dissociation constants for histamine, PEA, Pba and the pD'2-values for Pba were determined for the different tissues. 5% and 6% H1-receptor occupation is necessary to achieve a half maximal contraction of the trachea with the agonists histamine and PEA, respectively. Only 0.5% H1-receptor occupation is needed for the half maximal positive inotropic effect of histamine in left atria, while 5.5% of the H1-receptors have to be occupied using PEA as an agonist in this tissue. In the coronary artery of the pig 50% of the maximal contraction can be achieved by stimulation of 15.1% of the H1-receptors with histamine.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Immunocytochemical study of peptidergic structures in Brunner's glands.

Nervous and endocrine peptidergic structures in human Brunner's glands were studied by immunofluorescence. Endocrine cells storing immunoreactive components respectively similar to somatostatin 14, the amino-terminal portion (1-14) of somatostatin 28, gastrin-cholecystokinin, and peptide YY were distributed throughout the acini. Peptidergic nerve structures contained materials immunologically related to vasoactive intestinal peptide, peptide histidine methionine, substance P, neuropeptide Y, and gastrin-releasing peptide. The latter peptide was detected in discrete fibers running into the acini but within no cell body in the submucosa. All other neuropeptides were stored in fibers, isolated or grouped in bundles, and in perikarya of submucosal ganglia close to the acini. No immunoreactive structures were detected using antisera directed against pancreatic polypeptide, secretin, motilin, neurotensin, or calcitonin gene-related peptide. The results suggest that several regulatory peptides may be involved in the control of Brunner's glands in humans.

Brunner Glands↗

PubMed1989

The dendritic reticulum cell pattern in B cell lymphomas of the small cleaved, mixed, and large cell types: an immunohistochemical study of 48 cases.

An immunohistochemical study was designed to study the dendritic reticulum cell (DRC) patterns in 48 cases of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the small cleaved, mixed, and large cell types, both follicular (20 cases) and diffuse (28 cases), in order to evaluate the possible influence of DRCs on homing and the differentiation of neoplastic B cells. Three DRC patterns were observed. In the follicular lymphomas, DRCs constituted nodular networks of variable density. In the diffuse lymphomas, DRCs were present either as isolated and scattered cells (17 cases) or constituted irregular meshworks of variable sizes (11 cases). These DRC patterns correlate with B cell immunophenotypes. Like follicular lymphomas, and unlike diffuse lymphomas without DRC networks, diffuse lymphomas with DRC networks constantly expressed the pan B antigens and one marker characteristic of normal germinal center cells, CD21 antigen, the C3d receptor. The finding of organized DRC networks in a significant number of diffuse lymphomas does not substantiate the hypothesis that DRCs may play a role in the homing of neoplastic B cells. The correlations observed between DRC patterns and B cell immunophenotypes suggest that the persistence and/or the development of DRC networks within follicular center cell-type lymphomas are related to the degree of functional differentiation of neoplastic B cells.

B-Lymphocytes↗

PubMed1989

Classification and action of antiarrhythmic drugs.

A great number of antiarrhythmic drugs is available for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias. The classification of these drugs according to their action on different ionic channels of cardiac cells is discussed and summarized. Furthermore, drugs are characterized with respect to their mechanism of action on membrane currents and their action in different cardiac tissues. From the results, strategies may be developed which represent the basis for clinical application of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed1989

The integration of an educational program into a treatment facility.

This paper reviews the integration of an active teaching program into a busy treatment facility. All first and second year medical students at the University of California, San Diego take part in a series of didactic lectures and small group discussions, while third and fourth year students have the opportunity of joining a treatment team for 4 to 6 weeks. All psychiatric residents spend a minimum of 8 weeks working on the unit, and one fourth year resident is chosen to work with the staff for a year. The interactions between treatment teams and students in various stages of development help maximize enthusiasm and the commitment to the best patient care possible.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed1989

A translocation involving a specific breakpoint (q35) on chromosome 5 is characteristic of anaplastic large cell lymphoma ('Ki-1 lymphoma').

Two cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are reported in which a chromosomal translocation was observed involving the same site (q35) on the long arm of chromosome 5. The other breakpoint involved in the translocation was chromosome 2 (p23) in one case and chromosome 3 (q12) in the other. Both cases were large cell lymphomas expressing CD30 antigen ('Ki-1 lymphoma'). One was clearly of T lymphoid origin, the other probably B cell derived. One other case of a Ki-1 lymphoma with 2;5 translocation (involving the same breakpoint on chromosome 5) has been reported previously, and it is suggested that this cytogenetic abnormality may be specifically associated with Ki-1 lymphoma. The literature contains a further eight cases of lymphoid neoplasms with a translocation involving a breakpoint at q35 on chromosome 5. They have all been described as cases of 'malignant histiocytosis', but the present findings make it likely that these cases were in reality also examples of Ki-1 lymphoma. The breakpoint at the q35 region on chromosome 5 is close to the position of the fms proto-oncogene, suggesting that an abnormality affecting this gene might possibly play a causal role in 'Ki-1 lymphoma'. However, DNA restriction fragment analysis of the present cases showed no evidence that the breakpoint on chromosome 5 involves the fms gene or its immediate vicinity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

[IgM kappa gastric plasmacytoma].

A case of gastric plasmacytoma in a 50-year old woman was reported. Immunofluorescent and immunoperoxidase studies were performed. Polyclonal antibodies reactive with immunoglobulin chains and a panel of 14 monoclonal antibodies reactive with B and T cells, and epithelial cells were used. These studies showed that the tumor cells produced IgM Kappa molecules whereas no monotypic immunoglobulin could be detected in the serum and urine. On the other hand the tumor cells had the immunologic phenotype of plasma cells. This helps diagnosis: some lymphomas with plasmocytic differentiation could also produce a monotypic immunoglobulin. Treatment using a combination of surgery, radio and polychimiotherapy was effective, leading to complete remission.

Female↗