Biomedical subjects

J Dietz

Publications and source records attributed to J Dietz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

[Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair -- an alternative to the conventional procedure?].

INTRODUCTION: Tension-free incisional hernia repair using alloplastic material increasingly replaces conventional repair techniques. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the early and long-term complications as well as patients' satisfaction. METHODS: Laparoscopic hernia repair with intraperitoneal mesh implantation (PTFE) was performed on 28 patients at the Klinikum Grosshadern between 2000 and 2003 (16 males, 12 females, average age 61.2). Intra- and postoperative complications were registered retrospectively. In addition, 25 patients were evaluated for recurrence, postoperative pain and patient contentment (median follow-up 383 days). RESULTS: A low complication rate was observed in our patient collective. One trocar bleeding occurred. 2 patients presented with wound hematoma. The recurrence rate was 8 % (2/25). 60 % of the patients were free of pain postoperatively. 88 % would once again choose the laparoscopic approach for incisional hernia repair. DISCUSSION: The laparoscopic technique was associated with a low recurrence rate, a small rate of wound infections and high patient comfort. Thus, the laparoscopic approach for mesh implantation appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of incisional hernias. The efficiency of laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh implantation, however, should be evaluated within a prospectively randomized multicenter trial.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Impact of RO-desalted water on distribution water qualities.

A large-scale pilot distribution study was conducted to investigate the impacts of blending different source waters on distribution water qualities, with an emphasis on metal release (i.e. corrosion). The principal source waters investigated were conventionally treated ground water (G1), surface water processed by enhanced treatment (S1), and desalted seawater by reverse osmosis membranes (RO). Due to the nature of raw water quality and associated treatment processes, G1 water had high alkalinity, while S1 and RO sources were characterized as high sulfate and high chloride waters, respectively. The blending ratio of different treated waters determined the quality of finished waters. Iron release from aged cast iron pipes increased significantly when exposed to RO and S1 waters: that is, the greater iron release was experienced with alkalinity reduced below the background of G1 water. Copper release to drinking water, however, increased with increasing alkalinity and decreasing pH. Lead release, on the other hand, increased with increasing chloride and decreasing sulfate. The effect of pH and alkalinity on lead release was not clearly observed from pilot blending study. The flat and compact corrosion scales observed for lead surface exposed to S1 water may be attributable to lead concentration less than that of RO water blends.

Calcium Carbonate↗

PubMed2004

Atypical gastric presentation of strongyloidiasis in HIV-infected patient--case report.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal helminth of systemic distribution, which, once in its host, has the ability to perpetuate itself through an autoinfection cycle, leading to chronic infection. In healthy hosts, the parasite usually does not cause any symptoms, or only mild symptoms that are limited mainly to the small intestine. However, in immunocompromised hosts, uncontrolled multiplication with massive infection may occur, causing hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis, which are both associated with high morbidity and mortality. There are few reports of gastric involvement, particularly presenting as ulcer in the stomach. We report a case of gastric ulcer caused by S. stercoralis in HIV-infected patient.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Distinct patterns of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Leontopithecus rosalia in distinct Atlantic coastal rainforest fragments in Rio de Janeiro--Brazil.

Previous studies on infection of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve population of wild free-ranging Leontopithecus rosalia have shown the presence of genotype T. cruzi II, associated in Brazil with human disease. Herein, this study has been extended, the infection being evaluated in L. rosalia of 3 different tamarin populations, inhabiting distinct forest areas located in the same Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. Edentata, Marsupialia, Rodentia and Chiroptera were examined exclusively in the Poço das Antas Biological Reserve. Excluding Chiroptera, T. cruzi infection was found in all orders. Biochemical and molecular characterization demonstrated that golden lion tamarins maintained stable infections by T. cruzi II. The isolates from the other mammals corresponded to T. cruzi I, suggesting independent transmission cycles occurring among the sylvatic mammals inside Poço das Antas Biological Reserve. Significant differences in the infection patterns presented by the 3 populations of wild and captive-born golden lion tamarins were noticed. In Poço das Antas a considerably higher number of positive haemocultures from tamarins with positive serological titres was observed in comparison to those obtained from other areas. The implications for conservation and public health of an active sylvatic cycle in the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest of Rio de Janeiro are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus and correlation with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Barrett's esophagus is a metaplastic condition that occurs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its importance lies in its potential to develop adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is based on finding of intestinal metaplasia of at least 3 cm of the distal esophagus. The diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia of less than 3 cm of the distal esophagus is controversial, regarding implications with GERD, adenocarcinoma, and Helicobacter pylori. The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus in patients with short segments of esophageal columnar-appearing mucosa (less than 3 cm), diagnosed endoscopically, in two groups of patients, with and without symptoms of GERD. In total, 97 patients were examined, with endoscopic finding of esophageal columnar-appearing mucosa less than 3 cm. From the total, 52 patients had symptoms of GERD and 45 patients were without these symptoms. These patients were subjected to distal esophageal biopsies obtained immediately below the epithelial transition. The biopsies were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue at pH 2.5. Urease test for H. pylori detection in two fragments of gastric antrum was carried out. The presence of intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus was diagnosed in 16 (30.8%) patients in the GERD group and 12 (26.7%) patients without GERD symptoms. No statistical differences were observed (P = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.61-2.17). The variables sex, mean age and positivity for H. pylori did not show statistical differences. This study diagnosed high prevalence of intestinal metaplasia in the distal esophagus with columnar-appearing mucosa, less than 3 cm, with no statistical differences in the two groups studied with and without GERD symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Synthesis of beta-P,N aminophosphines and coordination chemistry to Pd(II). X-ray structures of [PdCl2(Ph2PCH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] and PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)].

The reaction of the C=N bond in PhCH=NPh with the carbanionic species Ph2PCH2-, leading to the N-phenyl beta-aminophosphine Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh, L1, is described. This molecule reacts with different organic electrophiles to afford related compounds Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NPhX (X = SiMe3, L2; COPh, L4), [Ph2MePCH2CH(Ph)NHPh]+(I-), L3, and [Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)N(Ph)CO]2, L5, containing two amido and two phosphino functions. The coordination properties of L1, L2, and L4 have been studied in palladium chemistry. The X-ray structure of [PdCl2(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] shows the bidentate coordination mode for the L1 ligand with equatorial C(Ph)-N(Ph) phenyl groups. [PdCl2(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP,kappaN)] crystallizes at 298 K in the space group P2(1)/n with cell parameters a = 10.689(2) A, b = 21.345(3) A, c = 12.282(2) A, beta = 90.294(12) degrees, Z = 4, D(calcd) = 1.526. The reaction between 2 equiv of L1 and [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)]2 affords the [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)] complex in which an unexpected N-H.Cl intramolecular interaction has been observed by an X-ray diffraction analysis. [PdCl(eta3-C3H5)(Ph2PCH2CH(Ph)NHPh-kappaP)] crystallizes at 298 K in the monoclinic space group Cc with cell parameters a = 10.912(1) A, b = 17.194(2) A, c = 14.169(2) A, beta = 100.651(9) degrees, Z = 4, D(calcd) = 1.435. Neutral and cationic alkyl or allyl palladium chloride complexes containing L1 are also reported as well as a neutral allyl palladium chloride complex containing L4. Variable-temperature 31P[1H] NMR studies on the allyl complexes show that the eta3/eta1 allyl interconversion is enhanced by a positive charge and also by a N-H.Cl intramolecular interaction.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Prejudice matters: understanding the reactions of Whites to affirmative action programs targeted to benefit Blacks.

The authors examined, in 2 studies, the effects of equal employment opportunity/affirmative action (EEO/AA) policies on Whites' job-related attitudes. First, in an experiment, White prospective job recruits, as expected, rated a potential employer whose EEO/AA policies were framed as targeted to benefit Blacks as less attractive than a potential employer whose EEO/AA policies were framed more generally. Second. the results of a field study showed that prejudice against Blacks moderated the relationship between Whites' perceptions that their organization's EEO/AA policies were targeted to benefit Blacks and their satisfaction with promotion opportunities. Specifically, among prejudiced Whites, this relationship was negative and considerable in size (r = -.39. p < .01); whereas, among nonprejudiced Whites, it was negligible (r = -.04, ns). The implications of our findings for the study of prejudice in organizations are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Just Doing Business: Modern Racism and Obedience to Authority as Explanations for Employment Discrimination.

In two experiments, we investigated the effects of prejudice (in the form of modern racism) and business justifications by authority figures (i.e., organizational superiors) to discriminate against minorities (Blacks in our research) in hiring situations. As expected, business justifications by legitimate authority figures led to participants' obedience in the form of discrimination relative to a no-justification condition and, in the second experiment, also relative to a condition in which the business justification came from an illegitimate authority figure. Moreover, in both experiments, as expected, modern racism did not have a main effect on discrimination, but interacted with business justifications such that modern racism predicted discrimination when a legitimate authority figure provided a business-related justification for such discrimination but not in the absence of such a justification. These results are discussed in terms of their theoretical implications for understanding prejudice and obedience to authority in organizations and in terms of their practical implications for addressing the problem of discrimination in the workplace. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2000

Regulation of hepatic vitamin A storage in a rat model of controlled vitamin A status during aging.

It is currently unknown whether the capacity of the liver to esterify and store vitamin A (VA) changes as a function of long-term VA intake or age. The objective of this study was to investigate whether age and/or VA status are factors for the hepatic expression of cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP), the esterification of retinol by lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and the accumulation of VA and lipids in liver. Two factors, VA intake and age, were studied in a 3x3 design. Diets denoted as VA-marginal, control and supplemented contained 0.35, 4 and 25 mg retinol equivalents/kg diet, respectively; male Lewis rats were fed these diets from weaning until the ages of 2-3 mo (young), 8-10 mo (middle-aged) and 18-20 mo (old) (n = 6/group. Liver CRBP mRNA differed (two-way ANOVA) with dietary VA (P<0.0001) and age (P<0.05). Hepatic LRAT activity increased with dietary VA (P<0.0001). Age was not a factor (P = 0.47) although there was an interaction of age and dietary VA (P<0.0001). Hepatic LRAT activity was correlated (r = 0.633, P<0.0001) with plasma retinol at physiologic concentrations. In VA-supplemented rats of all ages, the plasma molar ratio of total retinol:retinol-binding protein (RBP) exceeded 1, and liver VA and total lipid concentrations were elevated. However, tests of liver function had previously been shown to be within normal values. Thus, the capacity of the liver for retinol esterification by LRAT was not diminished by age or the accumulation of VA and other lipids. We conclude the following: 1) hepatic LRAT activity is regulated across a broad, physiologic range of dietary VA; 2) LRAT activity is regulated throughout life; and 3) the capacity for hepatic VA storage is high throughout life.

Acyltransferases↗

PubMed1999

Esophageal dysplasias are detected by endoscopy with Lugol in patients at risk for squamous cell carcinoma in southern Brazil.

Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is usually late. Staining of the mucosa with Lugol's solution during endoscopy has been suggested to identify early cancer/dysplasia and may improve prognosis. Lugol was tested during endoscopy in 96 asymptomatic subjects at risk for this tumor, who were found to have atypias after exfoliative cytology in southern Brazil. Biopsies were obtained in Lugol's 'stained' and 'unstained' areas in the esophageal mucosa and the histologic results were compared. 'Unstained' areas were present in 64 (66.7%) instances: 44 'unstained' areas over mucosa with normal appearance revealed seven dysplasias (four high and three low grade), whereas 20 'unstained' areas with visible lesions contained only one dysplasia (low grade). 'Stained' areas in 96 (100%) subjects showed two additional dysplasias (one high and one low grade). In this study, Lugol 'unstained' areas were of great value for detection of dysplasias (sensitivity = 80%; specificity = 63%; p = 0.01, Fisher's exact test; CI = 95%; odds ratio = 6.7).

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Transposable element insertions respecify alternative exon splicing in three Drosophila myosin heavy chain mutants.

Insertions of transposable elements into the myosin heavy chain (Mhc) locus disrupt the regulation of alternative pre-mRNA splicing for multi-alternative exons in the Mhc2, Mhc3, and Mhc4 mutants in Drosophila. Sequence and expression analyses show that each inserted element introduces a strong polyadenylation signal that defines novel terminal exons, which are then differentially recognized by the alternative splicing apparatus. Mhc2 and Mhc4 have insertion elements located within intron 7c and exon 9a, respectively, and each expresses a single truncated transcript that contains an aberrant terminal exon defined by the poly(A) signal of the inserted element and the 3' acceptor of the upstream common exon. In Mhc3, a poly(A) signal inserted into Mhc intron 7d defines terminal exons using either the upstream 3' acceptor of common exon 6 or the 7d acceptor, leading to the expression of 4.1- and 1.7-kb transcripts, respectively. Acceptor selection is regulated in Mhc3 transcripts, where the 3' acceptor of common Mhc exon 6 is preferentially selected in larvae, whereas the alternative exon 7d acceptor is favored in adults. These results reflect the adult-specific use of exon 7d and suggest that the normal exon 7 alternative splicing mechanism continues to influence the selection of exon 7d in Mhc3 transcripts. Overall, transposable element-induced disruptions in alternative processing demonstrate a role for the nonconsensus 3' acceptors in Mhc exons 7 and 9 alternative splicing regulation.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed1998

[Evaluation of the test strip Reflotron ALP (alkaline phosphatase) for blood samples of dogs and cats].

The test strip Reflotron ALP (alcaline phosphatase) was evaluated for use in canine and feline heparinized blood samples. The within-run and the day-to-day precision of blood and plasma samples was excellent. A haematocrit up to 60% of canine blood and up to 50% of feline blood had no influence on the measurements. Reflotron ALP was compared with ALP on Hitachi 717 (Boehringer Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany). The correlation of both methods was good for canine and feline blood samples. Reflotron ALP was higher than Hitachi ALP in both species. Despite an enormous deviation between Reflotron ALP and the reference method of canine and feline blood samples within the reference range, Reflotron ALP is a suited test for the detection of elevated ALP activity in canine and feline blood samples. Differences of the ALP activity might be caused by ALP isoenzymes. The activity of ALP isoenzymes depends on the method. The buffer systems of Reflotron ALP and Hitachi ALP are different. Significant exceeding of the reference range was reliably detected. In this investigation the study results for heparinized whole blood, heparinized plasma and serum are approximately the same.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1996

Clinical decision making by experienced and inexperienced pediatric physical therapists for children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This qualitative study was designed to explore, identify, and describe clinical decision-making processes used by pediatric physical therapists. SUBJECTS: Clinical decision-making processes of three experienced therapists and three inexperienced therapists were assessed as they worked with 18 children with diplegia. METHODS: Retrospective think-aloud procedures were used to elicit verbalizations, which were transcribed, coded, and analyzed. RESULTS: Four characteristics of clinical decision making were identified: (1) Movement scripts provided insights into the clinical application of cognitive schemata based on previous experiences, (2) procedural changes occurred rapidly during within-session decision making, (3) psychosocial sensitivity was important for positive interaction during therapy, and (4) self-monitoring appeared to be pivotal in making clinical decisions as therapists self-assessed their practice. Contrasting data illustrated similarities and differences of experienced and inexperienced clinicians. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Findings are generally consistent with existing clinical decision-making literature and provide important information for physical therapy practice, research, and education.

Cerebral Palsy↗

PubMed1995

Susceptibility to high-altitude pulmonary edema in Madison and Hilltop rats. I. Ventilation and fluid balance.

The pathogenesis of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is not well understood. Ventilation and fluid-handling abnormalities at high altitude (HA) may play a role in HAPE. Because ventilatory and cardiopulmonary responses to chronic HA exposure in the Hilltop (H) strain of Sprague-Dawley rat are different from those in the Madison (M) strain, it was hypothesized that these strains would have different susceptibilities to developing HAPE. M and H rats were studied at sea level (SL) and in a hypobaric chamber after 9 and 12 h at a simulated altitude of 24,000 ft (barometric pressure = 295 mmHg) and 1, 12, and 24 h at a simulated altitude of 18,000 ft (barometric pressure = 380 mmHg). Both strains developed HAPE, but the M rat was more susceptible to HAPE, as demonstrated by a higher mortality rate from hemorrhagic pulmonary edema after 9 h at 24,000 ft and an earlier increase in lung water after exposure to 18,000 ft. Minute ventilation was similar in both strains at HA, but arterial PO2 was significantly higher in the M rat. Both strains had a significant decrease in fluid intake and negative sensible water balance at HA. No changes in plasma renin activity, aldosterone concentrations, antidiuretic hormone levels, and atrial natriuretic peptide levels were found at HA. The increased susceptibility of the M rat to HAPE is therefore not explained by ventilation or fluid-handling abnormalities.

Altitude↗

PubMed1994

Role of CD11a and CD11b in ischemic acute renal failure in rats.

Leukocytes, particularly neutrophils, have been implicated in ischemic-reperfusion organ injury (IRI). However, their role in kidney IRI is controversial. Leukocytes express the adhesion molecules CD11/CD18 on their surface, which mediate many functions that can lead to tissue damage. To determine the role of CD11a and CD11b in IRI in the kidney, uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against CD11a and CD11b or control MAbs. The serum creatinine (SCr), complete blood count, and kidney histopathological damage scores (PDS) (scale: 0-4) were assessed prior to and 24 h after 60 min of ischemia. Mean SCr 24 h after ischemia was significantly decreased in the anti-CD11a- and -CD11b-treated group compared with the control MAb-treated group (2.5 +/- 0.3 mg/dl vs. 3.4 +/- 0.2 mg/dl, P < 0.05). PDS were also reduced in the CD11a and CD11b group compared with controls (2.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.1, P < 0.001). These data show that the CD11/CD18 leukocyte adhesion pathway plays a role in mediating ischemic acute renal failure in rats.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed1993

Salt loading test in a population adapted to moderately high altitude living (3,000 m).

The sodium excretory capacity of normal subjects acutely mobilized from sea level to moderately high altitude was compared to native subjects adapted to high altitude living (3,000 meters). This study was conducted in order to provide insights into hormonal adaptations associated with acute mobilization to a hypoxemic environment and to try to determine how these variables could influence the renal handling of a salt load. A standard amount of 5% NaCl solution at a volume of 100 ml/m2 BSA was infused over a 30-min period to all subjects. Urine collections were obtained periodically over the next 3 h. Subjects adapted to moderately high altitude living were able to excrete a salt load faster than unadapted subjects (57.1 vs. 32.9 mmol.m-2.h-1, respectively). No change in plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) concentration in either group of subjects was observed during the salt administration period. Adapted individuals had significantly higher baseline levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). The high altitude natives enhanced excretory response to a salt load was not explained by any observed hormonal changes and their lack of increased ADH release to serum osmolar changes was unexplained.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed1993

Hormonal response to exercise in high altitude natives and COPD patients.

Plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone increase with exercise. Acute hypoxia interferes with this hormonal response to exercise, but the effects of chronic or intermittent hypoxia on exercise-induced hormonal changes are not well understood. The hormonal response to exercise was studied in two groups of subjects who were expected to become hypoxic during exercise (high altitude natives at high altitude and patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), and normal controls. Both the high altitude natives and COPD patients became hypoxic with maximal exercise. The rate of rise of PRA and epinephrine was significantly less in the two study groups than the normal subjects. Changes in aldosterone levels with exercise were similar to PRA but the differences among groups were not significant. Differences between the groups were not seen for changes in atrial natriuretic polypeptide and norepinephrine during exercise. These results support the concept that hypoxia interferes with the renin-aldosterone and adrenal medullary response to exercise.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Growth hormone alters lipolysis and hormone-sensitive lipase activity in 3T3-F442A adipocytes.

While growth hormone (GH) has long been known as a lipolytic hormone, it has been difficult to study the cellular mechanisms for this effect. Since cultured 3T3-F442A adipocytes have recently proven to be useful to study chronic effects of GH on adipocyte metabolism, we examined the effects of GH on lipolysis. In these cells, GH alone produced a dose-dependent increase in the release of glycerol after 24 to 48 hours. The maximum increase occurred with 10 ng/mL human GH. The effect of GH was similar in the presence and absence of dexamethasone. Under each condition, the stimulation of glycerol release was accompanied by a GH-induced increase in the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), a key lipolytic enzyme. The increase in HSL required 24 hours with GH and lasted at least 48 hours. The increase in HSL activity by epinephrine, like glycerol release, was potentiated by GH. Although GH potently simulates the activity of the lipogenic enzyme glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) in differentiating 3T3-F442A preadipocytes, GH had a negligible effect on GPD activity in the differentiated adipocytes with chronic or short-term incubation. However, in contrast to the chronic effect of GH, short-term (30-minute) incubation with GH inhibited epinephrine-stimulated glycerol release, a characteristic transient antilipolytic effect of GH. These studies indicate that chronic GH treatment is lipolytic in cultured 3T3-F442A adipocytes, and document that lipolytic responses to GH involve an increase in the activity of HSL.

Adipose Tissue↗