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Biomedical subjects

G Grabner

Publications and source records attributed to G Grabner.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

[Prognosis of malignant tumors of the exocrine pancreas: effect of clinical and pathologico-anatomic variables on patient survival].

Survival patterns of 112 patients with histologically ascertained pancreatic cancer were analysed retrospectively in an attempt to determine the relationship to various clinical and pathologic-anatomic prognostic factors. Stage of disease, localisation of the primary tumor, as well as histologic grade were found to influence the patient's survival significantly. A limited anatomic involvement with tumor, localisation within the head of the pancreas, and high-grade differentiation were associated with an increased median survival. An evaluation of non-anatomic prognostic variables suggested a relative survival advantage for females, younger age groups, patients with favourable initial performance status and short symptom duration. There was no obvious relationship between survival and qualitative or quantitative indication of weight loss. In order to permit a critical evaluation of the value of any treatment program in pancreatic cancer, our observations reemphasize the need to define characteristics of patients under study.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

In vitro phase II trial of recombinant interferon alpha-2 in gastrointestinal cancer.

The antitumor effects of recombinant interferon alpha-2 (rIF) on clonogenic tumor cells were investigated in 29 cases of gastrointestinal cancer. An in vitro response (greater than or equal to 50% inhibition of tumor colony-forming units) was observed in 17% of the tumors, including 2 of 8 pancreatic, 2 of 6 gastric, and 1 of 10 colon cancer specimens. The relative efficacy of rIF in tissue cultures of pancreatic and gastric tumors was further substantiated by the resistance against simultaneously tested single conventional cytostatic drugs. Preliminary results of comparative studies of cloned interferon alpha-2 and human purified leukocyte interferon (hlIF) in 2 human colon cancer cell lines and 11 fresh tumor specimens suggest similar trends in terms of colony inhibition in individual assays. However, the interpatient differences indicate an overall superiority of the natural preparation (P less than 0.02).

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1985

CADIAG: approaches to computer-assisted medical diagnosis.

CADIAG-1 is a medical expert system, based on a symbolic logic representation of medical relationships. Strong relationships such as confirming, excluding or obligatory occurrence are applied to confirm or exclude diagnoses. Weak relationships are represented by facultative and not confirming relationships (FN-relationships). Diagnostic hypotheses are established by systematic combination of symptoms showing FN-relationships. CADIAG-2, a medical expert system based on fuzzy set theory and fuzzy logic, allows detailed specification of medical relationships. Here the diagnostic process also provides confirmed and excluded diagnoses as well as diagnostic hypotheses. Hypotheses are calculated by considering fuzzy relationships between medical entities. 426 cases with rheumatic and 47 cases with pancreatic diseases were tested. For CADIAG-1, the overall accuracy for confirmation and hypothesis generation is calculated with 91.1% for rheumatic diseases and 100% for pancreatic diseases. CADIAG-2 reached an overall accuracy of 93.7% for rheumatic cases and 91.5% for pancreatic cases.

Artificial Intelligence↗
PubMed1985

[Necrotizing pseudomonas infection of the eyelids and lacrimal ducts with orbital involvement in a newborn infant].

A newborn boy presented with severe, bilateral, necrotic blepharitis and dacryocystitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The possible etiology of this infection would be a transient neutropenia and a chemical blepharoconjunctivitis caused by Credé's prophylaxis. The relentless course of the necrosis could only be stopped by maximum-dose topical and systemic antibiotic therapy; the visual function of the right eye, however, was lost owing to a keratititis e lagophthalmo.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1985

[Clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy of ocular Chlamydia infection].

As reported in the recent literature, eye infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis are increasing in number. Modern laboratory techniques were used in this study to scan a total of 114 patients with unilateral follicular conjunctivitis for these organisms. The authors describe the clinical picture, course, and results of therapy in a total of 6 (5.3%) young patients with chlamydial infections diagnosed by scraping and cell culture.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1985

[The Shepard radial keratotomy method].

Over the last few years American surgeons have modified the technique of radial keratotomy in different ways. D. Shepard, of Santa Maria, California, has performed more than 1800 to these operations. Forty-three of the patients, on most of whom surgery was performed in both eyes, were studied from one week to 42.5 months postoperatively by an independent observer. The preoperative evaluation, the technique of surgery, which is performed on an outpatient basis, the complications and postoperative management, the final visual results, and refraction are discussed in detail. The overwhelming majority of the patients expressed great satisfaction with the visual outcome of the surgery in spite of undercorrection and overcorrection, long-term topical treatment, glare at night, and diurnal variations of visual acuity.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Human corneal fibroblasts and a human conjunctival cell line (Chang) produce a thymocyte-activating factor (TAF) in vitro].

A variety of distinct cells such as fibroblasts, epidermal cells, glioblastoma cells and corneal epithelial cells have been shown to produce Interleukin 1-like thymocyte-activating factors. Under in vitro conditions these cytokines influence a multiplicity of different cell types, including lymphocytes, fibroblasts, PMN and hepatocytes. In the present study human corneal fibroblasts, as well as the human epitheloid conjunctival Chang cell line were found to produce thymocyte-activating factors (TAF). The molecular weight of the corneal fibroblasts-TAF was found in the 670 kD region, with minor peaks of activity at 30, 17 and 4 kD. TAF from the Chang-cell line eluted at 15-25 kD. Chromatofocusing revealed the pI of the fibroblast-TAF to be at 6.7 and 5.2 and the pI of the conjunctival cells to be at 7.0, 5.3 and 5.0. The latter cells produced prostaglandin E2 upon stimulation. The immunomodulating properties of these cytokines make an important in vivo role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory corneal and conjunctival diseases probable.

Biological Products↗
PubMed1985

[Corneal epithelial cells and human conjunctival cell line (Chang) produce an interleukin 3-like factor].

Tissue mast cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of allergic eye diseases. In the study reported here the authors investigated whether human corneal epithelial cells and a human epitheloid conjunctival cell line (Chang) can produce an interleukin 3 (IL 3)-like mast cell-activating factor. The activity was detected at a m.w. of 15 and 30 kD, the isoelectric points were located at a pH of 7.85, 7.15 and 6.75. The authors believe that this cytokine, which is produced by epithelial cells of the cornea and conjunctiva, might play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic ocular diseases.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1985

Suppression of secondary herpes simplex uveitis by cyclosporine.

The authors studied the effect of an immunosuppressive agent, cyclosporine (CyA), on experimental secondary herpes simplex (HS) uveitis. Secondary HS uveitis was induced in a rabbit eye that had recovered from primary HS uveitis by challenging it with an intravitreal injection of herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigen. Daily intramuscular injections of CyA (25 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days prior to the intravitreal challenge with HSV antigen significantly suppressed the induction of secondary HS uveitis, but daily injections of CyA after the challenge with HSV antigen was ineffective. Intravitreal injections of CyA (5 mg) 7 days and 3 days prior to the HSV challenge were less effective, but the combined treatment with seven daily intramuscular CyA and two intravitreal CyA injections prior to the HSV challenge was most effective in the prevention of the uveitis. The daily intramuscular treatment with CyA resulted in a marked reduction of cell-mediated immunity while leaving the level of circulating HSV specific antibody high. No reactivation of latent HSV was detected in trigeminal and superior cervical ganglia of CyA-treated rabbits.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

[Syndrome of the flaccid eyelid (floppy eyelid syndrome].

Three patients with increasing swelling of the lateral half of the upper lid associated with chronic papillary conjunctivitis which did not respond to therapy were observed. The history, clinical findings, keratinized epithelial cells in the scrapings and the therapeutic success with a protective shield over night suggested the diagnosis of floppy eyelid syndrome.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMed1984

Changes of the corneal endothelium following intracapsular cataract extraction with implantation of semiflexible anterior chamber lenses. I. Results of the early post-operative period.

A consecutive group of 103 patients with senile cataract underwent intracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a semiflexible anterior chamber lens. After 6 month of follow-up, there was an average decrease of 20% +/- 15% in central corneal endothelial cell density and an average vertical disparity of 32% +/- 20% between central and superior endothelial areas. The endothelial cell loss was not correlated with pre-operative cell density. There was a positive correlation between age and cell loss and between age and vertical disparity. Findings in eyes with cornea guttata did not differ significantly from those without guttata. Anterior vitrectomy did not increase endothelial cell loss significantly. Maintenance of a deep anterior chamber by pre-operative oculopression or by instillation of Na-hyaluranate had no significantly different effect on the corneal endothelial cell loss.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

[Computer-assisted diagnosis and its application in pancreatic diseases].

The medical expert system CADIAC-2 based on fuzzy logic supports diagnostic decisions in the field of internal medicine. A medical knowledge base contains nosological descriptions of diseases. Given patient data, diagnostic decisions are made on the basis of the medical knowledge stored. Reasonings for the established diagnoses or diagnostic hypotheses are presented as well as plans for further examinations on the patient. Unexplained symptoms, signs or test results are also indicated. The usefulness of CADIAC-2 is demonstrated in a case study involving 38 patients with various pancreating diseases.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
PubMed1984

[In vitro evaluation of the chemosensitivity of malignant gastrointestinal tumors by stem cell assay].

The Human Tumor Stem Cell Assay, originally described by Hamburger and Salmon, was shown to be a useful in-vitro technique for predicting response or lack of response in individual patients' tumors. In the present study 34 GI-tumors were assayed for evaluation of in-vitro growth characteristics and sensitivity-patterns to standard chemotherapeutic drugs as well as to recombinant interferon alpha-2(rIF). Sufficient growth for evaluation of anticancer drug activity (greater than 30 colonies/control plate) was obtained in 56% of specimens: 2/9 colorectal, 0/3 stomach, 0/3 pancreatic tumors and 1/4 hepatomas revealed a 50% (or more) decrease of TCFUs, that was considered the minimum for in-vitro efficacy. Our results suggest a very limited overall activity of rIF in gastrointestinal malignancies. Only 1 pancreatic cancer (of 18 evaluable specimens) showed a significant decrease of colony formation (70%), when 100 U of interferon/ml were added to the culture system.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1983

[The corneal endothelium--morphology, function and clinical importance].

The corneal endothelium consists of a single layer of flat, hexagonal cells covering the posterior surface of the cornea. It has prominent functions in the maintenance of corneal integrity and transparency. These cells produce Descemet's membrane, dehydrate the corneal stroma, have a barrier function against the aqueous humour and possess active glucose transport mechanisms. Cell density, as well as variation in size and morphology, can be examined by specular microscopy. Pump function and permeability are determined by pachymetry and fluorophotometry. These methods permit early diagnosis of any damage of the corneal endothelium.

Cornea↗
PubMed1983

The effect of timolol on the concentrations of albumin and IgG in the aqueous humor of the human eye.

We investigated albumin and IgG concentrations in the aqueous humor of 41 patients before intracapsular cataract extraction (primary samples) and at the end of surgery (secondary samples). Albumin and IgG concentrations were determined in all samples by means of a quantitative fluoroimmunoassay. A short-term topical application of timolol in 24 eyes was associated with a significant increase in both proteins in the primary aqueous humor samples compared with 17 control samples (P less than .005). The ratios of albumin to IgG--even when corrected for serum levels--were not significantly different in the two groups. Timolol did not affect the change in these ratios in the secondary aqueous humor samples. Thus, we concluded that these findings were not caused by a breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier, but rather resulted from reduced aqueous humor flow and undisturbed protein filtration.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

[Cornea pseudoguttata].

Cornea pseudoguttata is the term applied to a temporary, completely reversible lesion of the corneal endothelium during inflammations of the anterior segment of the eye. The posterior specular area of the cornea reveals numerous, partially confluent, dark holes of different sizes. At examination with the specular microscope these holes correspond to intra- and intercellular changes in the endothelial mosaic. It appears that the clinical picture of cornea pseudoguttata is caused by both the edema of the endothelial cells and the looseness of the structure of the endothelial layer due to inter- and subcellular accumulations of fluid.

Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary↗
PubMed1983

Characteristics of an epidermal cell thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF) produced by human epidermal cells and a human squamous cell carcinoma cell line.

In this study we show that both cultured normal human epidermal cells (EC) and a human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell line produce a thymocyte-activating factor (ETAF). EC-ETAF and SCC-ETAF both have a Mr of 15,000 and were eluted from chromatofocusing at the same isoelectric points of 7.2, 5.8, and 5.0. Both activities were maintained at alkaline pH and were destroyed at temperatures above 60 degrees C. In addition to stimulating thymocyte proliferation, human ETAF exhibited a variety of other pertinent biologic activities. Although EC-ETAF or SCC-ETAF by themselves exhibited no T-cell growth factor activity, both ETAF preparations enhanced Interleukin 2 production by cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes when stimulated with polyclonal T-cells stimulants (Concanavalin A and phorbol myristate acetate). Human ETAF also was chemotactic for rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes and was directly mitogenic for cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Injection of human ETAF into C3H/HeJ mice, resulted in inducing serum amyloid A (SAA) production by murine hepatocytes. The thymocyte growth-enhancing activity, the fibroblast-stimulating activity, and the SAA-inducing capacity of ETAF all coeluted off AcA54 gel. These biologic as well as biochemical properties of human keratinocyte-derived ETAF are identical with those of human macrophage-derived Interleukin 1. The ability of keratinocytes to release an immunomodulating factor with such diverse consequences may play an important role in normal wound healing and in diseases involving epithelial tissues.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗