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Biomedical subjects

F Escher

Publications and source records attributed to F Escher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Induction of neutral endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme activity of SK-N-SH cells in vitro by quercetin and resveratrol.

Quercetin and resveratrol are weak inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity of the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. The long term incubation of the cells for 4 days with quercetin, resveratrol and a combination of both substances in concentrations lower than necessary for inhibition of NEP and ACE activity induced the cellular enzyme activity of NEP and ACE associated with an inhibition of cellular proliferation. The long term treatment of neuroblastoma cells with quercetin and resveratrol enhanced the differentiation state of the cells. Taking into account the significance of NEP and ACE for the degradation of amyloid beta peptides, the effect of quercetin and resveratrol as constituents of red wine for a neuroprotective activity is discussed.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Evidence of starch inclusion complexation with lactones.

Starch, in particular the linear amylose, is able to form inclusion complexes with a wide spectrum of ligand molecules, among them flavor compounds. The complexing ability of a homologous series of gamma- and delta-lactones with potato starch was followed by amperometric iodine titration, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements. Lactones with a linear chain of a size > or = C(5) form inclusion complexes with starch, whereas lactones with a short linear chain, such as gamma-heptalactone, show poor complexing ability. The thermal stability of starch-lactone complexes increases with increasing chain length of the lactone. In general, lactones induce the formation of V(h) helices. Only delta-decalactone complexes with starch were not definitely identified as V(h) amylose helices. Complexation of starch dispersions with lactones induce turbidity and gelation or phase separation, both phenomena being the result of microphase separation.

Amylose↗

[Esophageal obstruction in tube feeding: a result of protein precipitation caused by antacids?].

A complication of tube feeding, i.e. thickening of nutrient solution in the presence of an antacid leading to obstruction of the esophagus, is reported. Three patients on artificial breathing where fed by tube with Fresubin liquid. At intervals, Alucol liquid was given for stress ulcer prevention through the tube. After 2, 4, and 50 days respectively, reflux of nutrient solution into the mouth occurred. On removal of the tube a compact, yellowish-white substance was extracted. Endoscopically, residual particles were found in the upper part of the esophagus and in the hypopharynx which obstructed the esophagus completely and in one case could only be extracted through a rigid esophagoscope. In vitro studies showed that thickening of the nutrient solution was due to interaction with antacids administered simultaneously with the nutrient.

Adult↗

[Therapy of Zenker's diverticula].

The etiology and symptoms of Zenker's hypopharynx diverticulum are reviewed. The significance of stenosis formation by the pars fundiformis segment of the crico-pharyngeal muscle is emphasized. Careful preparation and dissection, followed by splitting of the constricting musculature, is the precondition for successful surgery. It can be demonstrated that invagination (closed operation) is usually sufficient, while keeping resection for large diverticula invading the mediastinum. Complications are rare and operative risks are minimal, even in the elderly. A report is presented on 40 cases in which surgery was performed.

Aged↗

[Clinical aspects and pathology of chondromatous tumors of the larynx].

Two cases of chondroma of the larynx are presented: After the first laryngofissure and excision both tumours recurred so that several operations became necessary. A transformation from chondroma to chondrosarcoma was observed based on repeated histological examinations. In the first patient pulmonary metastases and a recurrence at the tracheostomy appeared 11 years after presentation and 41/2 years after laryngectomy. In the other female patient no obvious signs of the neoplasm are present 9 years after presentation, and 4 months after the last operation for recurrence, but the prognosis remains undetermined. 101 cases of chondrosarcoma from the literature plus our 2 observations are listed and compared with 130 chondrosarcomas of the skeleton. Contrary to previous opinions, we conclude that chondrosarcoma of the larynx behaves in the same malignant manner as those of the skeleton. Some develop metastases quickly, others only after years and after at least one operation for recurrence. We could demonstrate that a detailed histological examination allows the prognosis to be assessed. Additional risk factors were also investigated. These two cases enable a better and more reliable judgement to be made of the prospective biological behaviour of chondromatous tumours of the larynx and at an earlier period of time of the process.

Aged↗

[A deglutition stutterer. Contribution on psychogenic inability to swallow].

Description of a patient of 63 years who developed since the age of 50 years cloni of the tongue and a contraction of the hypopharyngeal muscles in the moment of deglutition. This leads to an inanition and exsiccosis. The patient becomes dependent from infusions. The psychical exploration discovers pharyngeal spasmes in the youth which reappeared in the higher age in stress situation. The patient learned the introduction of a nasal tube for liquids. The association of physio- and psychotherapy leads to a harmonization of the personality but the autonomic troubles of deglutition did not disappear completely.

Deglutition Disorders↗

[On the problem of the congenital (?) cholesteatoma of the petrous bone (author's transl)].

The congenital cholesteatoma of the petrous bone is a rarity. The topographic situation corresponds to a congenital dermoid. The evolution is typic. On the beginning the ear drum is intact, very early one will find a loss of the labyrinth function, often accompanied by a facial paresis. The suppuration of the middle ear comes in a later state. The drainage operation is insufficient. The subtotal petrosectomy with permanent anterior dislocation of the facial nerve gives the chance for a definitive healing.

Adult↗

[Middle ear tuberculosis (author's transl)].

With the decrease in tuberculosis in general that of the middle ear has become a rarity, such that it is almost unknown to the younger generation of doctors. Nevertheless one must consider this diagnosis in all relapsing and treatment-resistant inflammations of the middle ear, especially when tympanoplasty procedures have been unsuccessful. Bacteriological findings are less reliable than histological proof and therefore examination of granulation tissue is always indicated. A precise history into earlier tuberculosis is important, since the disease is mostly disseminated haematologically. Two clinical examples with pathological descriptions are presented. In the first case fresh exudative disease similar to that of tubotympanitis occurred and quickly passed on to a chronic destructive middle ear inflammatory process. One year previously the patient had pleurisy. A complete cure followed surgery and antituberculosis therapy. In the second case a chronic proliferative and destructive inflammatory process was present with obviously less favourable reparative properties since two tympanoplasties were ineffectively performed.

Adult↗

[Psychopathology in patients with presumed nasal deformities (author's transl)].

If a patient with a "normal" nose desires rhinoplastic surgery, psychopathologic behavior should be recognized. In such patients, surgery is contra-indicated and the origin for the neurosis should be investigated. Two patients are presented in whom psychoanalysis was useful in correcting complex neurotic fixations on the nose with their attendant psychic dysharmonias. Therapy provided each patient with a more satisfying personal image. Each patient's desire for corrective nasal surgery was eliminated and patients were better able to accept their nasal features as well as gain positive social adjustments in their future lives.

Adult↗

[Isotopic cisternography in detection of CSF Rhinorrhea (author's transl)].

The radioisotope cisternogram has proven itself to be a valuable diagnostic procedure during the evaluation of patients with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. If it is not possible to define the origin of such a leak, extensive intracranial explorations may be required, which may or may not result in successful correction of the defect. As a functional examination with limited risk to the patient and minimal radiation exposure, the isotopic cisternogram can either establish a diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea or eliminate cerebrospinal fluid as a cause for rhinorrhea. When occurring, CSF leaks can be shown by demonstrating a "path" from the cranial fossage into the nasal cavity. The present technique utilizes tampons placed in each nostril. A positive diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea is made by finding a tampon impregnated with at least twice the radioactivity of a control tampon from the opposite nostril (in the presence of an intact septum). Conclusions indicate that a positive anterior fossa cisternogram may be the only evidence for hidden site of CSF leakage, especially when other signs are lacking.

Adult↗