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Biomedical subjects

H Noack

Publications and source records attributed to H Noack.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Are large optic nerve heads susceptible to glaucomatous damage at normal intraocular pressure? A three-dimensional study by laser scanning tomography.

To evaluate the effects of the presence of glaucomatous visual field defects and of intraocular pressure elevations on optic nerve head topography, we analyzed 148 left optic nerve heads of 148 patients using laser scanning tomography. The optic discs are classified according to computerized static perimetry and documented IOP readings: 101 discs show normal visual fields (36 normal discs, 22 ocular hypertensives, 28 normotensive glaucoma suspects and 15 ocular hypertensive glaucoma suspects), 47 discs (34 high-pressure glaucoma discs, 13 normal-tension glaucoma discs) demonstrate glaucomatous visual field damage. A two-way analysis of variance discloses significant differences (P < 0.01) between the groups of optic discs classified according to perimetry for most topometric parameters evaluated except for disc area. Classification according to documented IOP (cut off at 21 mmHg) results in larger disc areas in normotensive discs compared to hypertensive optic nerve heads in the study population. Results suggest that large discs may be susceptible to glaucomatous visual field damage at statistically normal IOP readings.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Evaluation of a procedure for the simultaneous determination of oxidized and reduced pyridine nucleotides and adenylates in organic phenol extracts from mitochondria.

An extraction procedure using mixtures of phenol, chloroform, and isoamyl alcohol originally applied to quench mitochondria for determining adenylates proved suitable also for the quantification of reduced and oxidized pyridine nucleotides yielding recoveries of more than 90%. In combination with HPLC, this approach allows the simultaneous determination of NAD+, NADP+, NADH, and NADPH as well as of adenylates within one extract. A comparison of this extraction method with fluorimetric measurements of pyridine nucleotide reduction in intact mitochondria revealed that about 30% of the fluorescence signal in the resting state of liver mitochondria is caused by NADPH.

Adenine Nucleotides↗
PubMed1992

[Courses in health education as interventions in industry].

Following a brief overview of approaches to workplace health promotion and more specifically of health education courses the paper describes the objectives, contents and methods of a new health course for workers at elevated health risk. This course was developed as part of a comprehensive workplace intervention programme. It comprises three consecutive modules, coping with stress, nutrition, and fitness, each consisting of five 75-minute lessons. Due to intervals of several months between the modules the whole course takes about a year. Course objectives are to improve awareness of own health-related life-style, to mobilise health resources and to develop potentials for health action. Instructional methods include teaching of relevant knowledge, exchange of experience, observational tasks as well as practical exercises.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1991

Coupling of spectrin and polylysine to phospholipid monolayers studied by specular reflection of neutrons.

The technique of specular reflection of neutrons is applied for the first time to study the charge-dependent interaction of the protein spectrin and the polypeptide poly-L-lysine with model phospholipid monolayers in the condensed phase state. We first established the structure of a pure monolayer of dimyristolyphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) in both the expanded and condensed fluid phase states without protein in the subphase. The thickness of the hydrocarbon chains increases from 11.4 +/- 1.5 A in the expanded state to 15.8 +/- 1.5 A in the condensed state, whereas the head group region is approximately 10 A thick for both phase states. When spectrin is present in the subphase, the dimensions of DMPC in the condensed state are not significantly affected, but there is approximately 0.09 volume fraction spectrin in the head group region. Lipid-spectrin coupling is enhanced by electrostatic interaction, as the volume fraction of spectrin in the head group region increases to 0.22 in a mixed monolayer of DMPC and negatively charged dimyristolyphosphatidylglycerol in the condensed state. In contrast to spectrin, polylysine does not penetrate the head group region, but forms a layer electrostatically adsorbed to the charged head groups.

Biophysical Phenomena↗
PubMed1991

[Volumetric analysis of the optic papilla using laser scanning tomography. Parameter definition and comparison of glaucoma and control papilla].

We performed a three-dimensional structure analysis of the optic disc in 65 eyes of 65 patients (38 glaucoma patients, 27 control-group patients) using laser scanning tomography. Patients classified as glaucoma showed at least 3 points with a relative scotoma of -10 db loss or greater compared to age matched controls on static 30 degrees computerized perimetry. Control-group patients showed no relative scotoma outside the blind spot area compared to age matched controls. One way analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences between the glaucoma (G) and the control-group (C) for excavation volume (+0.57 +/- 0.37 mm3 G/0.31 +/- 0.27 mm3 C, p less than 0.01), for the 3rd moment of the frequency distribution of excavation depths readings (-0.01 +/- -0.12 G/-0.13 +/- -0.09 C, p less than 0.001), area ratio (0.75 +/- 0.15 G/0.57 +/- 0.16 C, p less than 0.001), depth area ratio (0.35 +/- 0.24 G/0.18 +/- 0.12 C, p less than 0.001). A stepwise discriminant analysis classified 32 of 38 (84.2%) glaucoma discs and 21 of 27 (77.8%) control-group discs by a linear combination of 5 out of 15 topographic parameters. The results suggest that a combination of topographic parameters may provide an objective optic disc classification.

Computer Graphics↗
PubMed1991

[Modification of coronary arteriosclerosis in man by calcium antagonists?].

Calcium channel blockers may retard development and progression of coronary arteriosclerosis in man because of protective effects on membranes, (especially the endothelium), relaxation of vessel walls, inhibition of various platelet functions, impairment of proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells in the vessel wall, and an improvement of vascular cholesterol metabolism. In animal trials development of atheromas in large arteries induced by cholesterol-rich food and other stimuli of atherogenesis could be successfully retarded by a broad variety of calcium channel blockers. Some clinical observations in patients with coronary artery disease pointed at positive effects of calcium antagonists in coronary arteriosclerosis. To date, the results of three prospective placebo-controlled trials with calcium antagonists in coronary arteriosclerosis are available. In all trials progression of atherosclerosis was assessed by serial angiograms: 1) INTACT (nifedipine: 20 mg four times daily; observation period: 3 years, two coronary angiograms); 2) Study of the Montreal Heart Institute (nicardipine: 30 mg three times daily; observation period: 2 years, two coronary angiograms); 3) FIPS (Frankfurt Isoptin Progression Study) (verapamil: 120 mg three times daily; observation period: 3 years, three coronary angiograms). Target variables in these studies were progression or regression of preexisting lesions, development of new lesions and the incidence of vessel occlusions. The INTACT and the Nicardipine studies preferably included patients in early stages of coronary artery disease. The patients of FIPS who were entered into the study immediately after coronary bypass surgery suffered from severe, advanced coronary artery disease. In the latter study progression of coronary artery disease was assessed separately in different vascular regions (bypassed and non-bypassed segments) and in the bypass grafts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium Channel Blockers↗
PubMed1991

[Determinants and educational approaches to AIDS anxiety in adolescents].

On the basis of a questionnaire filled out by 480 adolescents determinants of fear of AIDS were evaluated with a model of linear structural equations. The main factors that appeared were knowledge about AIDS (those who know more report less fear), personal involvement (those who are confronted more with the problem of AIDS report more fear) and sexual experience (those who are sexually more experienced report less fear). The last finding is interpreted to the effect that mainly sexually inexperienced adolescents, who are usually also the younger ones, shift their sexual fears to the AIDS-complex.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

[Randomized comparative study of secondary prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with acquired immunologic deficiency syndrome].

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is one of the most frequent infectious complications in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A prospective trial was initiated to compare azidothymidine alone with azidothymidine plus aerosolized pentamidine as a secondary prophylaxis for pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. 27 patients (24 male, three female, average age 39 years) were enrolled, 14 patients receiving azidothymidine and pentamidine aerosol and 13 azidothymidine alone. After 166 days of follow-up, this trial had to be terminated prematurely, since the efficacy of pentamidine aerosol in the prevention of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was clearly demonstrated in two recently published studies. Two patients died during the study period, one in either group, but neither due to pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Two patients developed histologically proven pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; both patients were allocated to the azidothymidine arm. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was suspected clinically but not proven in four patients, three were randomized in the azidothymidine arm. Pentamidine was well tolerated and produced no severe side effects. The sample size is too small to draw definitive conclusions concerning the efficacy of pentamidine aerosol in AIDS patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

Retardation of development and progression of coronary atherosclerosis: a new indication for calcium antagonists?

Development of atherosclerotic lesions in animals, preferrably induced by a high-cholesterol diet, can be successfully suppressed by calcium channel blockers such as verapamil, nifedipine, nicardipine and diltiazem. The issue of a beneficial effect of calcium channel blockers on human coronary atherosclerosis is however not yet settled. At present, three prospective randomized clinical trials with calcium channel blockers (Nifedipine, Verapamil, Nicardipine) are being conducted (INTACT, FIPS, Study of the Montreal Heart Institute). Target variable for assessment of progression in these studies is the severity of coronary atherosclerosis evaluated by angiography both at entry into the study and after 2-3 years of treatment. A total of 445 patients after coronary bypass surgery (CABG) were entered in FIPS (Frankfurt Isoptin Progression Study) and randomly allocated to either verapamil 120 mg t.i.d. or placebo. The extent of coronary atherosclerosis is assessed by repeat angiography both 1 year and 3 years after randomization. Three vessel regions are evaluated separately. 1. Native vessels without bypass grafts and segments distal to the peripheral graft anastomosis ("core region") 2. Segments bridged by bypass grafts and 3. Bypass grafts. The 1-year follow-up was completed by 162 patients (Group A = 80 patients; Group B = 82 patients). There was a homogeneous distribution in the two groups for all clinical variables, graft patency rates, and the incidence of clinical events (myocardial infarction, need for cardiac surgery or PTCA, cardiac death). The overall progression rate of atherosclerosis in the first year was expectedly low.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

The reliability of psychophysiological examinations under field conditions: results of repetitive mental stress testing in middle-aged men.

In an epidemiological examination outside specialized laboratories we investigated the test-retest stability of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) reactions to standardized mental stress in 136 men (mean age 44 +/- 7 years) with complaints of mental and physical fatigue. Repetitive stress testing was performed at 4-week intervals on four occasions. On all four occasions stress levels differed significantly from baseline levels (P less than 0.001). Baseline conditions for BP and HR were significantly correlated at 4-week and 8-week intervals (P less than 0.001). Cardiovascular reactivity to mental stress was also stable over a 4, 8, and 12-week period. We conclude that psychophysiological reactivity can be assessed with good reliability under field conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The role of mitochondrial glutathione in the defence against Fe2+/ascorbate induced peroxidation of rat liver mitochondria.

The protective role of the glutathione system against oxidative stress was studied in the model of Fe2+/ascorbate induced peroxidation in isolated rat liver mitochondria. There was a successive diminution of the mitochondrial glutathione pool, essentially due to losses of the reduced form (GSH) during the initiation phase of peroxidation, while the redox state of glutathione was not influenced significantly before the onset of massive malondialdehyde formation. Oxidizable substrates such as glutamate/malate and 3-hydroxybutyrate affected peroxidation by extending the period of the induction phase. Obviously that was due to the supply of NADPH to recover GSH via GSSG-reductase as evidenced by the parallel decline of the NADP(H) and the glutathione-system redox states. Although the data strongly support the fact that mitochondrial glutathione plays a central role in the defence against oxidative stress, there are, under special conditions of a high succinate supply, other potent defence systems in isolated mitochondria.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

[Experimental findings after application of Kveim antigen. II. Sensibilization of mice and guinea pigs by Mycobacterium avium (serotype I) (author's transl)].

Mice and guinea pigs were sensibilisized by intraperitoneal injection of Mycobacterium avium (serotype I). Three and five weeks later (guinea pigs) and four weeks later (mice) the animals received kveim antigen into the footpads (guinea pigs) and into the perianal fat tissue (mice). Three and five weeks later (guinea pigs) and four weeks later (mice) the exstirpated material was investigated by light microscopy and enzyme histochemistry. Guinea pigs showed three and five weeks after injection of kveim antigen a lot of questionable positive and positive kveim tests and mice a high percentage of granulomatous changes, resembling a positive kveim reaction. With histochemical methods leucinaminopeptidase is a valuable diagnostic aid for detection of granulomatous changes in mice but not so good in guinea pigs.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1977

[Problems of hospital-delivery with the presence of the husband (author's transl)].

The authors have interviewed 740 women and their husbands after delivery about their attitude towards the presence of the husband at the time of delivery. Besides of traditional prejudices local circumstances in a hospital and shortage of staff make it difficult for the husband to attend to the delivery-room. Every woman would need in this case a room of her own for delivery; the number of midwifes or nurses would require a considerable increase. One problem might arise if the husband gets suspicious about certain events or actions during delivery and suspects malpractice; this might create new cases in court against the doctor. On the other hand it can be expected that prejudices and suspicions are decreased by the simple fact that the delivery room is opened to the husband. Most of the couples who were questioned replied positively; the results are summarized in tables. If the husband is allowed to attend to the delivery, it will become easier and more human. This point appears to be very important, as the hospital-delivery turns into a mere technical and impersonal service. If the husband can be present some "idyllic" aspects of the previous home-delivery are called back. Practical hints are given how the problem can be mastered.

Delivery, Obstetric↗
PubMed1977

[Puerperal mastitis].

The puerperal mastitis is a staphylococcal infection of the lactating mamma cumulating during the third and fourth week after delivery. It is seen three times as often after hospital than after house delivery, and it is also more frequent with primiparae than with multiparae. The infection is caused by bacterial hospitalism. Most commonly mamilla and milkducts are infected via the child's nasopharynx. Mastitis rarely occurs in non-nursing women. Early diagnosis before the appearance of all classical inflammatory symptoms is important, to start the treatment with antibiotics before abscess formation takes place. We mentioned Fucidine, Oleandomycin and Oxacillin as staphylococcal-effective, penicillinase-resistent antibiotics. Additionally low-dose X-ray radiation may be given. In case of abscess formation local antibiotic-instillation combined with oral antibiotic treatment should be tried before incision. It is best to incise an abscess only after is complete breakdown. Complications to be looked for are maternal sepsis and staphylococcal infection of the newborn.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Programmed texts: success or failure? An analysis of medical students' opinions.

It is shown that German medical textbooks have sold about nine times better than programmed texts, even if they were written by the same author and on the same subject. To explore some of the reasons why programmed texts are being used so little in comparison with conventional textbooks, 4th and 5th year medical students of the University of Berne were asked to work through a short programmed text in clinical neurology and to answer questions related to several aspects of using programmed texts and other materials. The analysis of the 212 questionnaires returned (58%) indicates that almost all students considered such a learning experience as highly useful and stimulating, but only about 25 per cent had no reservations. It is concluded that programmed medical texts may be used so little because they require students to learn in a highly standardized way, and because students need additional learning resources which provide them with conceptual framework of and sufficient information about a given area.

Adult↗