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Biomedical subjects

I Haubitz

Publications and source records attributed to I Haubitz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Formation of neutralizing antibodies against natural interferon-beta, but not against recombinant interferon-gamma during adjuvant therapy for high-risk malignant melanoma patients.

In an adjuvant clinical trial, 34 high-risk malignant melanoma patients were treated with natural interferon (IFN)-beta and recombinant IFN-gamma. Patients with tumor location on head, neck, and trunk received 3 million IU IFN-beta intravenously (IV) three times weekly for 24 weeks. Patients with tumor location on the extremities received subcutaneous (SC) injection of 2 million IU of IFN-beta distal the locoregional lymph nodes instead. All patients were given 50 micrograms IFN-gamma SC on 3 consecutive days every 4 weeks. Antibody formation was detected by coincubation of IFN and patients' serum and assessment of the inhibition of the cytopathic effect by a virus suspension. Soluble interleukin-2 receptors (sIL-2R) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. No antibodies against IFN-gamma were observed. The overall incidence of antibody formation to IFN-beta was 55.8% (19/34). Ninety-two percent of the SC-treated patients (13/14) and 30% (six of 20) of the IV-treated patients developed antibodies. Soluble interleukin-2 receptors were found to be significantly lower in antibody-positive patients than in antibody-negative patients. The authors conclude that IFN-beta antibody formation is frequent and might influence IFN induced sIL-2R elevation in vivo.

Antibodies

[Subjective sequelae of splenectomy].

111 of 806 former patients splenectomized at the Würzburg university hospital during the years 1968-1983 were interviewed for their complaints since their operation. Investigations included the use of Beck's inventory for measuring depression and the Giessen questionnaire for the evaluation of general complaints used in psychosomatic medicine. There was a significant increase of symptoms after splenectomy as compared to the normal population. A special list of 18 questions to investigate typical postsplenectomy complaints was answered by 95 of these 111 persons and by a control group of "statistical twins" with similar upper abdominal surgery without splenectomy. The leading difference was the highly significant increase of the susceptibility to infections after splenic loss followed by accelerated exhaustion and increased physical and mental weakness. The distribution of other complaints like for instance the intolerance to alcohol hitherto judged as typical sequelae of splenectomy was not statistically different in both splenectomy was not statistically different in both groups. Since the symptoms listed above as significantly increased in the splenectomized patient were closely correlated with the susceptibility to infection they seem to be rather the expression of the decreased resistance than direct consequences of the loss of the spleen.

Adolescent

Brain edema, autoregulation, and calcium antagonism. An experimental study with nimodipine.

We investigated the effects of the calcium entry blocker nimodipine on cerebral autoregulation, BBB, and vasogenic edema in animal experiments. In the first series of rats, ICBF was measured with H2 clearance using a balanced multiwire surface electrode. Variations in blood pressure (SAP), which was measured via femoral catheter, were induced by infusion of norfenefrine (pressure increase) and by hemorrhage (pressure decrease). The effect of SAP on the cerebral microcirculation was evaluated. In control animals receiving nimodipine, a typical autoregulation plateau was found. In rats treated with nimodipine infusion (12-14 micrograms/kg/min), 1CBF was considerably elevated at all blood pressure levels above 50 mm Hg, and in the steep 1CBF/SAP correlation, the autoregulation plateau was almost suspended. In a second series of randomized rats, the effect of nimodipine on BBB was investigated after Evans blue infusion. When a SAP of 180 mm Hg systolic was maintained for 6 min, a diffuse Evans blue staining was seen in 70% of the nimodipine animals (break-through of BBB). In the third series of rats, the effect of nimodipine on cold injury edema was investigated. Nimodipine (1 mg i.p.) considerably decreased the SAP; Edema formation measured by water and Na+ content 24 hr after trauma was then reduced. However, if the decrease in SAP was in part prevented by norfenefrine application, the rats receiving nimodipine developed significantly more edema. Brain water and sodium contents were markedly increased in both hemispheres. The results indicate an interference of nimodipine with cerebral autoregulation, and a BBB disruption may occur at lower SAP. If the BBB is impaired, nimodipine may considerably intensify edema formation. Nimodipine and similar calcium entry blockers should therefore only be used with caution in acute brain damage.

Animals

Isoprodian and rifampicin in the treatment of leprosy: a descriptive evaluation of therapy durations in 475 Paraguayan leprosy patients.

In Paraguay, the National Leprosy/Tuberculosis Program is based on a combined chemotherapy with isoprodian and rifampicin. The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the therapy durations used so far in the treatment of 475 leprosy patients and to analyze the criteria responsible for the wide-ranging differences in therapy durations. As initial criteria, the following parameters were identified to have a significant influence on the therapy duration: Patients never treated before or pretreated, clinical classification and initial bacteriological index (BI) value. During therapy, conditions like the attendance and BI decrease/year showed a significant correlation with the therapy duration. Even though the studied criteria did not allow to draw a definite conclusion with regard to an 'ideal' therapy duration, they proved to be reliable, as only 2 patients have relapsed so far.

Dapsone

[Habit patterns in the use of the manual toothbrush. 1].

It is the goal of this study to quantitatively assess the habit patterns of toothbrushing. In the course of nine sessions such variables as force, duration, technique (scrubbing, rotating, or sweeping) as well as the sequence of brush positions and the number of changes of brushing sites were determined in 85 men and women, who were neither motivated nor instructed to maintain oral hygiene. The "force of habit" was an unexpectedly dominant factor, the least variations being observed in the brushing technique. On the other hand, a comparison of the degrees of habit of patients with and without acute or chronic brush-induced lesions (gingival recession, Stillman's clefts, wedge-shaped defects) revealed that patients with gingival recessions had the highest degree of habit. Consequences of clinical relevance are pointed out.

Adult

The distribution pattern of NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase in rat liver.

Activities of the NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase were measured along the entire sinusoidal path (1) between small portal tracts and central veins and (2) between regions of adjoining septal branches and central veins in the liver of male Wistar rats using a Lowry technique. The measured activities show a slight increase from the periportal to the perivenous end, whereas no such septal-) perivenous gradient could be established. These profiles of enzyme activity give further support to previous studies, suggesting functional heterogeneity of liver sinusoids and their abutting hepatocytes related to morphological differences of the sinusoidal bed.

Animals

Distribution pattern of alanine aminotransferase activity in rat liver.

Activities of the alanine aminotransferase were measured along the entire sinusoidal paths (1) between small portal tracts and central veins and (2) between regions of adjoining septal branches and central veins in the livers of male Wistar rats using a Lowry technique. The established profiles of enzyme activity give support to previous studies, suggesting functional heterogeneity of liver sinusoids and their abutting hepatocytes related to morphological differences of the sinusoidal bed.

Alanine Transaminase

Sinusoidal profiles of lactate dehydrogenase activity in rat liver.

Lactate dehydrogenase activities were measured along two sinusoidal paths (1) between small portal tracts and central veins and (2) between regions of adjoining septal branches and central veins in the livers of male Wistar rats, using a Lowry technique. The established profiles of enzyme activity provide further support of functional heterogeneity of liver sinusoids and their abutting hepatocytes related to morphological differences of the sinusoidal bed. Within the hepatocytes a pronounced heterogeneity in enzyme activity was recorded surrounding small portal tracts and central veins. The lowest values of activity were determined in those cells located in close proximity to the vessels, which emphasizes their exceptional morphological and functional position.

Animals

[Effect of the Ca antagonist nimodipine on global and regional cerebrovascular circulation].

The effects of Nimodipine on the global and regional cerebral blood flow were studied in 42 patients with cerebrovascular disorders. In 25 patients with focal deficits such as transitory ischemic attack (TIA), prolonged reversible ischemic neurological deficit (PRIND), and minor stroke due to arteriosclerosis, and in eleven patients with cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, the cerebral blood flow was measured by 133Xenon inhalation technique 60 min after oral administration of 40, 60, or 80 mg Nimodipine. In 6 patients with vasospasm the effects of Nimodipine i.v. were examined. The result in twelve patients with minor stroke who were only given placebo (lactose; "test-retest") was identical regional (rCBF) and global (CBF) cerebral blood flow before and 60 min after; placebo, blood pressure, and arterial pCO2 remained constant as well. After Nimodipine, however, the CBF increases, the increase after vasospasm being significant when taking the pCO2 in the Wilcoxon test into account. The rCBF increases much more in the regions with low perfusion rates than in well-perfused areas. This is also observed in the patients with TIA, PRIND, or minor stroke, most clearly after oral administration of 60 mg, whereas regions with normal perfusion rates show little reaction. The blood pressure was lowered, depending on the initial pressure. There was no evidence of a steal phenomenon.

Adult

Acute effects of nimodipine on the cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure.

The effects of nimodipine, a calcium antagonist with preferential cerebrovascular activity, on the global and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF and rCBF), the intracranial pressure (ICP), and the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), were investigated in an acute study. The rCBF of 54 patients was measured by the Xe133 inhalation method under identical conditions before and 60 min after oral administration of nimodipine. 12 patients with focal cerebral circulation disturbances of arteriosclerotic origin, who had suffered a cerebral accident (TIA, PRIND, minor stroke) no more than 3 weeks previously, were given a placebo (test-retest controls) and 25 patients of the same diagnosis and age group were given 40-80 mg nimodipine orally. 11 patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms and clinical and angiographic signs of vasospasm (Hunt- and Hess grade 3) were likewise treated with nimodipine by the oral route. 6 patients with cerebral vasospasm received nimodipine in i.v. doses of 0.5-2 mg/h. The cerebral blood flow, assessed on the basis of the initial slope index (ISI), before and after the medication, was compared by statistical methods. 12 patients with head injury were given nimodipine intravenously in a dose of 0.5-2 mg with continuous monitoring of the ICP and the blood pressure. The pressure values were evaluated continuously by computer, with calculation of the perfusion pressure, and tested for statistical significance. Oral nimodipine therapy resulted in a significant (14%) increased of the CBF (taking account of the arterial pCO2), the improvement of blood flow being even more pronounced in the hypoperfused regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute Disease

[The effect of the beta-blocker nadolol on the second messenger, serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and on blood pressure and heart rate].

In this investigation it could be shown that the intracellular alterations of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) caused by the beta-receptor blocker (2R,3S)-5-(3-tert-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-1,2,3,4- -tetrahydro-2,3-naphtalenediol (nadolol, Solgol mite) can also be proved in plasma. 15 hypertensive patients were given 60 mg nadolol; before and after certain intervals plasma cAMP, blood pressure, heart rate and pulmonary function were measured. After a single dose of nadolol within 8 h a prompt, significant decrease of the plasma cAMP concentration from 21.3 pmol/ml to 8.1 pmol/ml could be seen. 8 h later the cAMP concentration increased slowly and after 32 h achieved an average value of 13.1 pmol/ml. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure of the patients showed nearly identical behavior for more than 32 h. Both parameters fell significantly, increased slowly after 8 h and were still on a lower level after 32 h. There was no influence on diastolic blood pressure value and pulmonary function. The results confirm--in accordance with other investigators--the long therapeutical effect of the beta-receptor blocker nadolol; besides they prove that the model used here is a suitable biochemical equivalent in comparison to the pharmacological effect of a beta-receptor blocker.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists

Explorative studies on karyometric frequency distributions. I. Quantitative description and comparison of curves with 2 maxima.

A mathematical procedure is introduced describing frequency distributions of nuclear size with 2 maxima sufficiently by the evaluation of three parameters which are directly representative for the curves: the positions of the first and second maximum and the percentage ratio of the first maximum related to the second maximum. This approximation is a prerequisite to statistical comparison and interpretation of the curves.

Animals

Explorative studies on karyometric frequency distributions. II. Approximation using normally distributed curves versus median interpolation.

An approximation using normally distributed curves and a median interpolation were applied to frequency distributions of nuclear size with one maximum. Both methods gave the same results as far as the positions of the curves on the axis of nuclear volume classes were concerned. Further detailed information on the course of the curves by the median interpolation, however, may be falsified by artificial differences due to the interpolation.

Animals

Problems in fitting a cosine curve.

In fitting of cosine curves latent experimental inequalities due to a serial effect have to be excluded. Though cosinor analysis may be sufficient then, inclusion of biological time, i.e. not fitting values to time but to a function of time, will lead to further improvement.

Animals

[Seizure prevention using carbamazepine following severe brain injuries].

In this article the efficacy of carbamazepine for seizure prophylaxis in severe head injuries is tested. In addition, conditions with high risk of seizures requiring prophylactic regimen, were defined. One hundred and thirty-nine patients above 15 years of age with severe head injuries were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups--carbamazepine versus placebo. Prophylaxis was started immediately after the accident and was continued for one and a half to two years. Carbamazepine dosage was adjusted individually to provide serum levels within therapeutic range. In case of a seizure all the necessary clinical management was initiated. Patients on carbamazepine showed a lower probability of post-traumatic seizures than those on placebo (p less than 0.05). This difference was statistically significant with regard to early seizures within the first week and with regard to the follow-up time in total, but not regarding late seizures per se. Brain lesions with a high risk of post-traumatic seizures were situated in the parietal and temporal areas and included acute subdural haematomas in all locations, temporal lobe contusions, parietal epidural haematomas accompanied by other lesions and the deep stages of coma. Brain stem contusions were accompanied by a rather low probability of seizures. The above mentioned types and locations of brain lesions with the exception of brain stem contusions justify antiepileptic prophylaxis. The regimen consists of oral carbamazepine 100 mg three times daily by gastric tube during the first two days increasing to about 200 mg three times daily on the third day corresponding to the serum level. If oral medication is not possible within the initial twelve hours, phenytoin in a dose of 750 mg Phenhydan-Infusion Konzentrate is given on the first day, followed by an intravenous dose of 250-500 mg on the second day or until oral carbamazepine administration is tolerated. Treatment should be continued for one year.

Brain Concussion