[Research on the occurrence of dermatophytes in various types of soil].
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
G Köhler
Publications and source records attributed to G Köhler.
Analysis of B-cell tolerance in mice expressing transgenic anti-CD8.2 immunoglobulin M molecules.
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Animals↗
Transmission and expression of a specific pair of rearranged immunoglobulin mu and kappa genes in a transgenic mouse line.
Two genes that code for a hapten-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) have been introduced into the mouse germ line. The transgenic antibody represents 10-50% of the serum IgM and is expressed on the membrane of B cells. B-cell hybridoma lines show that a negative feedback inhibition of mu and kappa transgenic products on the immunoglobulin heavy-chain rearrangement is possible.
Alleles↗
Expression of immunoglobulin delta chain causes allelic exclusion in transgenic mice.
Rearrangement of the separated V, D and J segments of immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes is an ordered and regulated process essential for the production and diversification of antibodies in mammals. Only one allele of the heavy and light chain gene locus is found functionally rearranged in normal B cells. The second allele is either non-functionally or incompletely rearranged, a phenomenon known as allelic exclusion. Recently, we and others have shown that expression of a rearranged mu gene introduced into the germline of mice leads to inhibition of rearrangement of endogenous heavy chain genes. It has been suggested that mu also exerts a positive influence on kappa light chain gene rearrangement. Here we show that a functionally rearranged delta gene is also able to prevent endogenous heavy chain gene rearrangement and could promote kappa light chain gene rearrangement.
Alleles↗
[Multiple breast fibroadenomas in pregnancy - diagnostics and therapy].
Benign tumours in pregnancy are often "lactating adenomas". The differentiation against malignant processes is sometimes difficult. In this case report we demonstrate the diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in an 18-year old woman with multiple nodes in the right and left breast. Pregnancy makes it difficult to examine the breast with the usual methods. Because of suspect clinical and ultrasonic findings we made a core biopsy already during pregnancy. With nodes in the breast during pregnancy, ultrasound is the diagnostic method of choice. Histology by core biopsy must be made. As long as the histology corresponds with the ultrasound findings, controls are sufficient if the findings are benign. Otherwise, diagnostic exstirpation will be necessary even though the patient is pregnant. Ultrasound and biopsy are the only significant examinations in pregnancy and lactation. Mammography is contraindicated because of radiation. Assessment by palpation and NMR is problematic during pregnancy.
Adolescent↗
[Tuberculosis of the shoulder joint].
In contrast to specific shoulder girdle processes tuberculoses of the shoulder joint are observed relatively frequently. From 1955 up to and including 1980, 50 patients with omarthritis tuberculosa were surgically treated at the authors' clinic. Thirty were male, 20 female, 42 were Germans, 8 immigrant workers. Arthrodeses were performed in 28 cases, removal of bone or soft-tissue foci, or a combination of these, in 22. The left joint was affected in 26 cases (52%) and the right in 24 (48%). The youngest patient was 9, the oldest 78 years of age (average age 42.6 years). The time from the onset of complaints to diagnosis was about 1.6 years. Twenty-eight patients (56%) had previously had treatment for tuberculosis and 9 (18%) also had active tuberculosis localized elsewhere. Even though there were clear radiological changes in all cases, abscesses and fistulae or a combination of these in 27 cases (54%), the 1-hour ESR was normal or only slightly elevated (under 20 mm acc. to W.) in 29 patients (58%). The recurrences which occurred immediately after surgery or in the subsequent course of the disease healed without sequelae after secondary interventions. While they prolonged hospitalization they did not influence the result of surgery. Of the 38 (76%) patients who were followed up on average 3 years after the end of inpatient treatment, 30 (79%) had returned to work on average 1.1 year after being discharged from the hospital. Three had meanwhile been retrained for lighter work. In the discussion the etiology and pathogenesis, incidence, side localization, age and sex distribution, complaints, clinical and radiological findings, diagnosis, therapy, prognosis, and differential diagnosis of shoulder joint tuberculosis are reported on with reference to the relevant literature.
Abscess↗
Comparison of cytogenetics, cytokine secretion, and oncogene expression in primary cultures of renal carcinoma cells.
We compared the cytogenetic pattern of 20 different primary tumor cell cultures (PTCC) of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to their cytokine secretion and oncogene expression. High secretion of IL-6 (gene locus on chromosome 7p21-p14) was correlated with the gain of an additional chromosome 7. Structural changes involving chromosome 5q22, the site of the GM-CSF gene, were matched with the high secretion of GM-CSF in PTCC. No such association was found for beta 2-microglobulin, TGF-beta 1, TNF-alpha, IL-8, and oncogenes, such as c-fos, c-myc, and pan-ras. Our approach may be useful in simultaneously analyzing several factors contributing to tumor progression and may contribute to understanding the multistep development of RCC.
Adult↗
Characterization and cloning of cutinase from Ascochyta rabiei.
Ascochyta rabiei, the causal agent of Ascochyta blight on chickpea plants, secretes a cutinase in the culture filtrate when it is induced by cutin or hydroxylated fatty acids. This cutinase is the main esterase in the culture fluids. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity by three successive chromatographic steps. It showed an apparent molecular weight of 22 kD in SDS-PAGE and cleaved ester bonds of 3H-labelled cutin or p-nitrophenylbutyrate with maximal activities around pH 8. As a serine esterase, cutinase is strongly inhibited by organophosphorous compounds and the most effective inhibitor 2,3,5-trichloropyridine-6-(O-methyl-O-n-butyl)-phosphateester++ + (MAT 9564) shows a Ki value of 0.8 nM. The cutinase gene was cloned from a genomic cosmid library by screening with two oligonucleotides directed against cutinase consensus peptides. The gene was subcloned to a 1.7 Kb SaII/HindIII-insert and sequenced. The cutinase gene codes for a 223 amino acid protein with strong homology to other fungal cutinase sequences. The purified cutinase is encoded by a single copy gene.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Congenital posterior laryngotracheoesophageal cleft with subglottic stenosis: a case report.
Posterior cleft larynx is an uncommon congenital anomaly of variable extent representing an incomplete or absent separation of larynx and trachea from the hypopharynx and esophagus. This case report describes the histopathology of a type 2 cleft (classified according to Evans) associated with a subglottic stenosis due to elliptical shape of the cricoid cartilage and redundant submucosal tissue in a premature female infant.
Abnormalities, Multiple↗
Efficacy and mode of action of an immunomodulator herbal preparation containing Echinacea, wild indigo, and white cedar.
Using the example of an allopathic herbal combined preparation containing Echinacea root, wild indigo root, and white cedar leaf tips (Echinaceae radix + Baptisiae tinctoriae radix + Thujae occidentalis herba = Esberitox N), the efficacy and mode of action of a phytoimmunomodulator, or immune system enhancer, is described. Efficacy of the immunomodulator has been demonstrated in studies of acute viral respiratory tract infections and infections requiring antibiotic therapy. In a recent study compliant to GCP, the therapeutic superiority of the herbal immunomodulator over placebo was confirmed as statistically significant and clinically relevant. The present overview describes a model of the antigen-independent mode of action of phytoimmunomodulation ("immunobalancing").
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Non-palpable breast lesions in asymptomatic women: diagnostic value of initial ultrasonography and comparison with mammography.
AIM: This prospective double-blind study was designed to assess (i) if primary breast screening by ultrasonography is capable of detecting breast cancer independent of tissue density and (ii) if the rate of unnecessary biopsies remains acceptable when diagnostics are based on ultrasonography. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bilateral breast ultrasonography was performed in 448 asymptomatic women as the initial diagnostic method. Sonograms were interpreted using a set of standardized diagnostic criteria. Subsequently, mammograms were obtained. The radiologists reading the mammograms were blinded to the sonographic results. RESULTS: Overall, 3 non-palpable breast cancers were detected by ultrasound and mammography. All 3 ultrasonographically detected breast cancers were smaller than 1 cm (0.7, 0.7, 0.6 cm). All 3 carcinomas were correctly detected by both methods. For ultrasonography, the false positive rate was 1.1% (n=5) and for mammography 0.6% (n=3). When both methods were combined, the rate of unnecessary open biopsies was 1.6% (n=7). The ratio of benign to malignant lesions was 3.7/1. CONCLUSION: Without prior mammography, primary high-resolution breast ultrasonography is capable of detecting non-palpable breast carcinomas in asymptomatic women at an early stage. The rate of unnecessary open biopsies is low and the ratio of benign to malignant biopsies acceptable.
Adult↗
[Surgical possibilities in orthopedic rheumatology].
Surgery has been a mainstay in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. Basically, its effect is limited to the site involved. Reconstruction of a damaged component of the locomotor system, however, may also relieve other components, and thus improve their function. Usually the prescribed drug treatment and physiotherapy must be continued, although the rehabilitation of individual, particularly severely affected joints may result in reduced drug intake. Surgery is indicated in the early stages, when isolated joint inflammations remain unchanged for more than half a year in spite of intensive physical and drug treatment. Best results have been achieved with preventive procedures (synovectomy, tenosynovectomy) carried out before joint alterations become evident in the x-ray. These procedures can also be performed in advanced stages, usually together with reconstructive measures. These patients, however, must expect some discomfort to remain, because of the irreversible joint damage already incurred. The operations selected for advanced cases include corrective osteotomies, resection arthroplasties and arthrodeses. To date, satisfactory long-term results of allo-arthroplastic joint replacements are only assured in terms of hip and, with reservations, knee prostheses.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
[Shoulder girdle and shoulder joint tuberculosis].
From 1955 to 1980 inclusive, 50 patients with tuberculous omarthritis and 11 with specific shoulder girdle disorders (nine sternoclavicular joints, one isolated clavicular shaft focus, as well as one acromioclavicular joint focus) were treated at this clinic with a combined tuberculostatic and surgical therapy. The youngest patient was nine years old, and the oldest patient was 89 years old (36 females, 25 males). The patients (average age 49.4 years) comprised 11 foreign workers. From the beginning of the symptoms up to diagnosis, an average of 1.4 years elapsed. 34 patients (56%) had already been treated earlier for tuberculosis, and 12 (20%) were suffering at the same time from an active specific infection of other localisation. Independently of abscesses and fistulae (35 patients = 57%) as well as other simultaneous tuberculosis, the one-hour value of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was in the normal range, or it was only marginally to slightly raised (under 20 mm according to W.). In 28 patients (46%), arthrodeses were performed in the shoulder joint, whereas the focus was cleared in the remaining patients. One patient (89 years old) died of senile debility. All complications (16 reactivations, two dislocations of the bone chip implantations, one fail joint) healed without complications after secondary operations. In the follow-up examination (on average, after 3.1 years), we diagnosed one recurrence (sternoclavicular joint process). Of the 45 patients (74%) followed up, 36 (80%) had started working again on average 12 months after the end of hospital treatment, or had resumed their former occupation (pensioners, housewives). Three (7%) of those followed up needed a different occupation or were given a new job within their firm.
Acromioclavicular Joint↗
[Tissue concentrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents in chronic polyarthritis patients].
Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) are indispensable for modern treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Reports on drug concentration in rheumatoid human tissues are still lacking. We now report about steady-state concentrations of Indomethacin and Acemetacin in blood, synovial fluid, synovial membrane, muscle, bone and fat 6h after the last application of Acemetacin resp. Indomethacin. Levels in all tissues, except fat, were found to be significantly higher than in blood. Therefore, a noticeable accumulation of drug occurs in all rheumatoid tissues.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
[Neutrophil granulocytes in rheumatic tissue destruction].
Periarticular rheumatoid nodules from 27 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated with a histochemical method to identify polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN's). In all necrotic areas PMN's were present, however, in different densities. Most of the necrotic areas contained a minimal or intermediate infiltration with these inflammatory cells. Six rheumatoid nodules exhibited a severe vasculitis with dense perivascular infiltrations of PMN's. This vasculitis was preferentially seen in nodules with necrosis densely infiltrated with PMN's. From the present results it is assumed that PMN's may be involved in the pathogenesis of fibrinoid necrosis in rheumatoid nodules.
Adult↗
Collagen as matrix for neo-organ formation by gene-transfected fibroblasts.
BACKGROUND: Genetically modified cells have been used in several animal models for the in vivo delivery of therapeutic proteins. One of the problems encountered is early cell death after the implantation of cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To improve the survival of implanted cells, we have developed a system in which transfected fibroblasts are seeded onto biodegradable collagen matrices and transplanted into animals after several days of in vitro culture. Since G-CSF is widely used clinically to accelerate reconstitution of hematopoiesis after cancer chemotherapy, it was chosen to investigate in vivo delivery by transfected fibroblasts. RESULTS: Expression of the human G-CSF gene is maintained by transfected cells when grown on collagen scaffolds in vitro. After the i.p. implantation of collagen matrices seeded with G-CSF gene transfected fibroblasts, G-CSF serum levels could be detected for more than 2 weeks. Histological analysis of matrices explanted on day 31 and demonstration of in vitro G-CSF production reveals that genetically modified cells can survive on these implants in vivo. Large areas of the collagen are degraded and substituted with a network of endogenous argyrophilic fibers. Also ingrowth of blood vessels into the matrices is observed leading to the formation of "neo-organ' like structures. CONCLUSIONS: Biodegradable collagen matrices can serve as scaffolds for survival of transfected fibroblasts in vivo.
Animals↗
Oncogene and HSP-70 expression in primary tumor cell cultures of renal cell carcinoma compared to their corresponding cell line.
BACKGROUND: Tumor progression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be explained by a multistep model, in which the activation of certain oncogenes such as c-neu and c-fos appear to be early events in tumorigenesis, while the expression of p53 and pan-ras are found in advanced stages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The expression of oncogenes and growth factors was examined in 29 primary tumor cell cultures (PTCC) of RCC using immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: In PTCC high expression of c-neu and c-fos was present in all tumors, whereas mdr, TGF-alpha, EGF, c-myc, pan-ras, p53 and HSP-70 was detected at low expression levels. In 27% (8/29) of PTCC, cell lines (CL) were established. Oncogene expression was increased in CL compared to PTCC. CONCLUSION: The pattern of oncogene expressions found in CL is similar to findings described in highly malignant tumors in vivo. Therefore, the establishment of CL seems to depend on a selective recruitment of tumor cells with an upregulated oncogene expression.
Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗
Novel molecular and cellular strategies in cancer therapy.
Tumor initiation and progression results from several subsequent mutations in genes that control cellular proliferation and differentiation. Neoplasia may lead to the expression of antigens that may be derived from such oncogenes or the activation of other cellular or viral genes that may represent tumor associated antigens. This review summarizes the present understanding of these mechanisms in an effort to design new therapeutic strategies.
Dendritic Cells↗