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Biomedical subjects

F Graf

Publications and source records attributed to F Graf.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

In vitro antibacterial activity of Lactobacillus helveticus strain KS300 against diarrhoeagenic, uropathogenic and vaginosis-associated bacteria.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate in vitro the antibacterial activity of the Lactobacillus helveticus strain KS300 against vaginosis-associated bacteria including Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella bivia, uropathogenic Escherichia coli, and diarrhoeagenic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. METHODS AND RESULTS: The KS300 strain inhibited the growth of G. vaginalis, P. bivia, S. typhimurium, and pathogenic E. coli. After direct co-culture, data show that the Lactobacillus strain decreased the viability of G. vaginalis, P. bivia, S. typhimurium, and pathogenic E. coli. The adhering KS300 strain inhibited the adhesion of G. vaginalis DSM 4944 and uropathogenic Dr-positive E. coli IH11128 onto HeLa cells. Moreover, the KS300 strain inhibited the internalization of uropathogenic Dr-positive E. coli IH11128 within HeLa cells and S. typhimurium SL1344 within Caco-2/TC7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that L. helveticus strain KS300 is adhesive onto cultured human cells and has antagonistic activities against vaginosis-associated, uropathogenic and diarrhoeagenic pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Adhering L. helveticus strain KS300 is a potential probiotic strain displaying a strain-specific array of in vitro antibacterial activities.

Bacterial Adhesion↗
PubMed2003

Microbiological aspects of diaper dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: The microbiological basis of diaper dermatitis is not clearly elucidated, although a better knowledge of microbial colonisation can be of importance with regard to an adequate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relevance of candida sp. and Staphylococcus aureus colonisation in diaper dermatitis and to determine the correlation between the extent of colonisation and the severity of disease. METHODS: Growth of candida sp. and S. aureus in the perianal, inguinal and oral regions was determined by positive/negative and semi-quantitative analysis in an open, multi-centre (n = 3) study. Forty-eight children with healthy skin and 28 with diaper dermatitis were analysed. The severity of diaper dermatitis was assessed using a total symptoms score. RESULTS: Colonisation by candida sp. was significantly more frequent in children with diaper dermatitis as compared to those with healthy skin (perianal 75 vs. 19%; inguinal 50 vs. 10%; oral 68 vs. 25%, p < 0.0003), whereas colonisation by S. aureus at the 3 swab locations was not different (p > 0.34). There was a highly significant, positive correlation between severity of disease and extent of candida sp. colonisation at all swab locations. CONCLUSIONS: Limited microbial colonisation in diaper dermatitis is of questionable relevance, but extensive colonisation seems to aggravate the symptoms; therefore, we suggest that semi-quantitative evaluation should be preferred to the positive/negative assessment for a differential diagnosis.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed1997

[Polycythemia caused by liver carcinoma in cattle and sheep].

Polycythemia associated with hepatic carcinoma was diagnosed in a 10-year-old cow, an 8-month-old heifer and a 3-year-old sheep. The cow was referred to our clinic because of weight loss, reduced appetite, hematuria, marked reddening of the mucosa of the tear canal, oral cavity and vestibule and an increased hematocrit. Clinical examination also revealed injected scleral vessels. The erythrocyte count, the PCV, hemoglobin concentration and the activities of the hepatic enzymes were increased. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a very large liver with a focal echogenic lesion. Based on all findings, a diagnosis of polycythemia associated with a liver tumor, was made. The cow was slaughtered. Multifocal liver tumors were diagnosed histologically as hepatocellular carcinoma. The heifer and sheep had similar clinical and hematological findings. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in the heifer and cholangiocellular carcinoma in the sheep. It was concluded that in all three patients, polycythemia was caused by hepatic carcinoma.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Characterization and N-terminal sequencing of a calcium binding protein from the calcareous concretion organic matrix of the terrestrial crustacean Orchestia cavimana.

We extracted proteins from the organic matrix of calcareous concretions, which represents the calcium storage form in a terrestrial crustacean. Electrophoretic analyses of water-soluble organic-matrix proteinaceous components revealed 11 polypeptides, 6 of which are probably glycosylated. Among the unglycosylated proteins, we characterized a 23 kDa polypeptide, with an isoelectric point of 5.5, which is able to bind calcium. Its N-terminal sequence is rich in acidic amino acids (essentially aspartic acid). All these characteristics suggest its involvement in the calcium precipitation process within the successive layers of the organic matrix.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Therapy of bacterial vaginosis using exogenously-applied Lactobacilli acidophili and a low dose of estriol: a placebo-controlled multicentric clinical trial.

The efficacy of vaginal tablets (Gynoflor) containing 50 mg of a lyophilisate of viable, H2O2-producing Lactobacillus acidophilus (at least 10(7) colony forming units/tablet) and 0.03 mg estriol (CAS 50-27-1) for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) was tested in a multicentric, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel-group design. 32 non-menopausal women with positive diagnoses for BV, including intermediate cases, participated in the trial. Patients were diagnosed using the classical clinical parameters of BV according to Amsel and using microscopic analysis of the Gram-stained vaginal smear. A positive clinical diagnosis of BV required at least 2 of the following 4 clinical criteria to be positive; greyish-white, homogeneous leukorrhea; vaginal pH > 4.5; KOH test for volatile amines; presence of clue cells. Microscopic diagnosis of BV, on the other hand, was obtained if examination of the Gram-stained vaginal smear showed less than 6 lactobacilli per field of view (1000 x magnification). This corresponds to another definition of BV as "lactobacilli deficiency syndrome". The efficacy of the 6-day therapy with 1-2 vaginal tablets daily was evaluated using both clinical and microscopic analysis. Using Amsel's classical clinical parameters of BV, the cure rate (defined as < or = 1 of the 4 clinical criteria positive) two weeks after the start of therapy was 77% in the verum group and 25% in the placebo group. Four weeks after the start of therapy, the cure rate was 88% in the verum group and 22% in the placebo group. At both control examinations, the cure rate for the test group was significantly higher than that for the placebo group (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test, 2-sided, significance level 0.05). In addition, the trial showed that after 6 days of treatment with the test preparation, the lactobacilli were capable of recolonising the vagina. A significant increase in the number of lactobacilli was observed in the Gram-stained vaginal smear for the patient group treated with the test preparation compared to the placebo patient group (p < 0.05, Fisher's exact test, 2-sided, significance level 0.05), two and four weeks after the start of the 6-day treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Physiologic parameters and locomotor activity in Fleckvieh and Schwarzbund cattle during an alpine summer].

The investigation on an alpine pasture was performed on 15 heifers of the breeds Fleckvieh and Friesians from different farms. Some physiological parameters and locomotor activities in dependence of breed, farm of origin and weather conditions were studied. Animals of one farm were pastured in spring, the animals of the other farm were brought directly from the barn to the mountain area. Physiological parameters were influenced by farm, but not by breed. The activities of GOT and CK increased in unprepared heifers only (due to the release from skeletal muscles) as did levels of free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate obviously due to adaptation-difficulties linked with energy-deficiency. Pre-pastured animals showed higher blood-urea concentrations, due to their ability to locate always fresh grass with high protein content. The breed influence on the daily number of steps and on the distance covered was statistically not significant. Animals already pastured in spring showed more movement than unprepared ones. Among weather conditions thunderstorm showed a striking increase in activity which resulted from the search for shelter. On rainy days without wind the animals showed least movement. Cloudy, dry weather as well as sunshine was associated with average activity. These reactions to meteorological conditions were manifested more clearly in prepared heifers. The other animals obviously had to learn first how to minimize untoward effects by suitable behaviour.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Secretory pattern of metabolic hormones in the lactating sow.

Two experiments were conducted to monitor hormonal changes during lactation in crossbred sows (Pietrain x German Landrace). Sows were fed twice daily without weighing the remaining food. Number of piglets was not standardized. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-2, insulin (INS), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (FT4), non esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose (GLUC) were determined by RIA, EIA or enzymatically. In exp. A (n = 5 sows), blood samples were taken via permanent jugular cannula in weekly 24 h windows at 20 min intervals and additionally once daily for 6 weeks during lactation and for 3 days after weaning. In exp. B (n = 24 sows), blood was collected by needle puncture of the ear vein 2 and 1 week before parturition, the 1st and 3rd-4th week of lactation and 1 and 2 weeks after weaning. GH (0.8 ng/ml) and PRL (10.2 ng/ml) increased with onset of lactation (3.3 resp. 91.5 ng/ml), remained at high levels (2.5-2.8 resp. 39-41 ng/ml) during the 2nd and 3rd week, declined slowly thereafter and considerably after weaning to concentrations of 0.7 resp. 2.7 ng/ml. During lactation in 4 of 5 sows in exp. A, the typical episodic secretory pattern of GH and PRL was lost due to frequent suckling. Basal values, as known from non lactating sows, were not reached and number of pulses was elevated during lactation for both pituitary hormones. Insulin levels showed a high individual variation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Immunocytological localization of endogenous calcitonin-like molecules in the crustacean Orchestia.

Immunocytological mapping of calcitonin-like molecules (human form) performed in the terrestrial crustacean Orchestia, using PAP procedure on paraffin sections and immunogold method on ultrathin cryosections, reveals two reactive organs: central nervous system and posterior caeca of the midgut. Immunoreactivity within the nervous system is mainly located throughout perikarya and nerve fibers from both dueto- and tritocerebron and ventral nervous chain. Immunolabeling in the posterior caeca is detected on both cell components of the epithelium, with significant quantitative differences between molt and intermolt periods. The role of calcitonin-like substances in these organs is then discussed: at the nervous system level, a neuro transmitter function is suggested; the direct participation of these peptides in the regulation of calcium shifts through the caecal epithelium is hypothesized.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Variations of vitamin D-like reactivity in the crustacean Orchestia cavimana during the molt cycle.

An investigation into vitamin D-like molecules has been performed on whole extracts of the terrestrial amphipod Orchestia cavimana, using a sensitive nonequilibrium assay employing 1,25-(OH)2 D receptor from calf thymus. Relatively large amounts of these secosteroid-like molecules were observed and they varied in concentration according to the stages of the molt cycle. The amplitude of these variations reaches a ratio of about 40 from the minimum in premolt to the intermolt sharp peak.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST) on physiological parameters and on milk production in German Fleckvieh cows.

The efficacy of injecting primiparous cows of a dual purpose breed (Deutsches Fleckvieh) with a BST prolonged release formulation (500 mg Sometribove s.c.) was tested in a cross-over design. Seven cows were given 500 mg BST in the 10th through 19th week of lactation and a placebo in the 24th through 33rd week. A second group of seven cows received a placebo in the 10th through 19th week and BST in the 24th through 33rd week. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein (via a permanent cannula) in the 13th, 17th, 23rd, 27th and 31st week of lactation over a period of 24 hrs at 30 min intervals. During the periods of BST treatment the amount of FCM (amount of milk corrected to 4% fat content) was higher in treated than in non-treated animals by 3.6 kg (19.8%) and 3.2 kg (22.5%) respectively. Milk fat levels were elevated significantly during both treatment periods. Milk protein concentration showed a significant rise during the second half of lactation only. There was no influence on lactose content. Blood concentration of somatotropin and IGF-I rose during treatment by a factor of 3-4. Insulin, T3, T4 and FTI as well as glucose, urea and GOT showed no changes or changes within physiological ranges. Free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate rose during treatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Changes in hormones, metabolites, and milk after treatment with sometribove (recombinant methionyl bST) in Deutsches Fleckvieh and German black and white cows.

Twelve second-lactation Deutsches Fleckvieh cows, (FV, a dual-purpose breed) and 12 German Black and White (BW, a dairy breed) were used to evaluate similarities and differences in the response to a prolonged-release formulation of sometribove (N-methionyl bovine somatotropin, bST). Cows were milked twice daily and fed a basic diet (70% corn silage, 30% alfalfa hay) ad libitum plus 1 kg of concentrate. Additionally, concentrates and supplements were offered at the rate of 1 kg for each 22 kg of milk produced above 12 kg/d. Six cows of each breed were treated s.c. with 500 mg of sometribove at 14-d intervals from wk 9 to 29 postpartum (pp). Blood was collected by jugular vein puncture once weekly from wk 7 to 33 pp and daily for 14 d after the first and last (11th) injection of bST. Somatotropin (ST), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), insulin, thyroid hormones, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), liver enzymes, and blood metabolites were evaluated. During bST treatment, plasma ST increased significantly on d 7 in both breeds and then decreased on d 14 after injection. Plasma IGF-I was positively correlated with ST. Plasma NEFA were high on d 7 and decreased on d 14. In response to bST, the average milk yield increased for FV and BW cows by 5.1 kg/d (29.7%) and 5.0 kg/d (28%), respectively, and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) increased by 5.0 kg/d (28%) and 5.3 kg/d (19.9%), respectively. Milk content of fat, protein, lactose, number of somatic cells, and body weight were similar across treatments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Variations of calcitonin-like immunoreactivity in the crustacean Orchestia cavimana during a molt cycle.

The investigation of calcitonin-like immunoreactivity performed in whole extracts of the terrestrial crustacean Orchestia cavimana using radioimmunoassay revealed large amounts of these peptides varying in concentration according to the stages of the molt cycle. Their level is maximum at the time of the exuviation. The results are then discussed regarding the particular calcium metabolism of this species in function of its terrestrial conditions of life.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1989

The expression of CD 15 antigen on myeloid leukaemia cells--a new prognostic index for complete remission and for survival.

377 untreated acute leukaemia patients were categorized according to FAB and cytochemical criterials and simultaneously phenotyped with the use of 6-21 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) of VI series (W. Knapp, Vienna). The leukaemia phenotype was compared with the patients outcome after treatment. In adult ANLL patients a positive relationships was proved statistically between the expression of the CD 15 cell differentiation antigen on leukaemic blasts and the CR rate (p less than 0.01, chi 2 test). Also a comparison of the Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that the CD 15 positive group of ANLL patients has a better outcome than the CD 15 negative one (p less than 0.01, by Wilcoxon and Log-rank tests). Thus, examination of cell differentiation antigens could be a useful addition to existing risk assignment in acute leukaemia.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1988

Unusual basement layer in the midgut of gammaridean Niphargus virei Chevreux (Crustacea, Amphipoda).

The basement membrane of the midgut and posterior caeca epithelium in the gammaridean amphipod Niphargus virei Chevreux, 1896 is made of an unusual structure. This basal lamina, properly called "basal layer", shows a dense sheet formed by a system of dense hexagonal plates connected by thin filaments. Histochemical studies and enzymatic reactions lead to the conclusion that these structures are proteinaceous, without collagenous protein, and embedded in a neutral polysaccharide matrix. The possible mechanical significance of these mesenteric structures is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Carbonic anhydrase activity in a calcium-mobilizing epithelium of the crustacean Orchestia cavimana during molting.

We investigated the involvement of the enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, in the calcification-decalcification processes occurring in the posterior caeca of the midgut of the terrestrial crustacean, Orchestia cavimana, before and after exuviation. This enzyme was ultrahistochemically localized throughout the membranes of the caecal epithelium as well as extracellularly, i.e., within pre-exuvial calcareous concretions and postexuvial calcified spherules. During the molt cycle, the pattern of carbonic anhydrase activity in the posterior caeca was correlated with the calcium content at this level. Acetazolamide treatment in vivo inhibited about 50% of the calcium uptake during both pre-exuvial secretion and postexuvial reabsorption. The role of carbonic anhydrase in this mineralizing-demineralizing epithelium is discussed and compared with that of other mechanisms involved in this calcium turnover.

Acetazolamide↗