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Biomedical subjects

J Hauser

Publications and source records attributed to J Hauser.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Unclear soft-tissue tumor].

Cystic necrotization with liquefaction and calcification of muscle tissue is a rare late sequel of compartmental syndrome. Diagnosis and treatment of this clinical picture is still a problem. In the literature, various therapeutic approaches are described such as incision, needle decompression, and complete compartmental debridement. We report a case in which cystic degradation and liquefaction of three compartments developed 51 years after a complete fracture of the tibia. The patient was treated by radical compartmental resection. No postoperative complication was noted, and almost no functional loss occurred.

Aged↗

PVP-iodine in hydrosomes and hydrogel--a novel concept in wound therapy leads to enhanced epithelialization and reduced loss of skin grafts.

BACKGROUND: Moist wound treatment improves healing at a possibly increased risk of bacterial infection and many local antiseptics impair healing. A moist treatment modality with efficient antimicrobial activity would be desirable. METHODS: In this monocentric, randomized, observer blinded, phase III study, a new hydrosome polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP)-iodine preparation in hydrogel containing iodine in a 3% concentration (Repithel) was investigated for its effect on epithelialization in patients receiving meshed skin grafts. Grafts of 167 patients (donor site defects, burn wounds, or chronic defects) were dressed either with Repithel (n=83) covered with a gauze (Jelonet), or Jelonet-gauze only (n=84) until healing. RESULTS: Grafts receiving Repithel healed significantly earlier (9.4 days versus 12.4 days; p<0.0001) and faster than controls as measured by neo-epithelialization of mesh holes between days 7 and 11 (91.2+/-22.8% versus 82.3%+/-28.6, p<0.0001). A subgroup analysis showed that the effects on grafted burn wounds (p=0.0042) and chronic defects (p<0.0001) was more significant than on donor sites. Also a higher take rate of grafts (p=0.0053) and a reduced loss of grafts was observed with Repithel treatment (8 grafts versus 20 grafts) (p=0.0063, respectively). Smokers had improved graft take (p=0.0069) and higher rate of epithelialization (p=0.0040) compared to smokers of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate significant clinical advantages of Repithel. This new local wound healing drug combines antisepsis and wound moisture efficiently resulting in significantly enhanced epithelialization, decreased transplant losses, and significantly improved healing especially in smokers.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

[Desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma. Diagnosis and therapeutic procedures for a rare clinical entity].

Desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma is an exceedingly rare variant of the malignant melanomas. Since the initial description, only about 500 cases have been reported in the literature. These melanomas mostly occur on the head, neck, and face, and a wide local excision of the tumor is probably the most important prognostic factor. Therefore, in most cases the tumor resections result in large tissue defects. To gain a good cosmetic result, tissue movement using flaps or grafts will most likely be required to cover the defect. In this paper, a 79-year-old patient with a basal cell carcinoma and desmoplastic melanoma on the scalp is described, and the therapeutic procedure is discussed.

Aged↗

[Oblique osteotomy for post-traumatic fibula incongruity].

BACKGROUND: Injuries of the ankle joint are common and, considering that this joint is highly mechanically stressed, it seems obvious that therapy requires restoring the joint to a physiological, anatomically functional unit. In case of post-traumatic shortening, rotation and talar tilt arthritis may result because of the changed biomechanics. Before this occurs, typical clinical symptoms are recurrent swelling, pain, and limited range of motion, together resulting in reduced mobility and quality of life. With prompt indication and revision lengthening the lateral ankle and thus restoring joint congruity, patient complaints are significantly reduced and the development of advanced arthritis can be avoided. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Within a period of 7 years, 16 patients with post-traumatic shortening of the fibula were treated with oblique osteotomy and lengthening of the fibula at our department. The mean time between trauma and reconstructive surgery was 10 months, and the median follow-up period to clinic and radiological examination was 3.7 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Comparison of results before and after correction showed significant subjective improvements, and the development or continuation of post-traumatic arthritis could be hindered, of critical importance to which is prompt indication for operative joint correction, because clinical symptoms of advanced osteoarthritis of the ankle joint cannot be expected to improve.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Efficacy of treatment with Repithel and Jelonet in comparison to treatment with Jelonet alone - a randomized clinical trial in patients receiving meshed skin grafts].

UNLABELLED: Moist wound treatment is a well recognized method for the treatment of aseptic acute and chronic wounds. While the moist environment is beneficial to the woundhealing process, it also increases the risk of bacterial superinfection. We here report on the results of a clinical phase-III-study in which we tested the effect of a new PVP-iodine liposomal hydrogel (Repithel) on split-thickness skin grafts. This formulation optimizes moist wound treatment by improving the cell proliferation rate while preventing wound infection. AIM: The aim of this phase-III-study was to analyse the efficacy and tolerance of Repithel in patients receiving meshed skin grafts. METHODS: 167 patients with transplantation wounds were either treated with lipid gauze alone (control group) or with lipid gauze and Repithel. In both groups the extent of neoepithelization, the frequency and severity of graft losses and the time until complete wound closure was achieved were determined. Analysis of the re-epithelization was achieved by photoplanimetry. Impedance measurements gave additional information on the regeneration of the epidermal barrier. RESULTS: Wounds receiving Repithel showed a significantly faster neoepithelisation than wounds which were treated with lipid gauze alone. Treatment with Repithel significantly reduced both the number of graft losses and the size of area lost. The time until wounds were closed completely was significantly shorter in patients receiving Repithel than in controls. The positive effects of Repithel on wound healing were especially observed in smokers, patients with chronic wounds, burns or infected wounds. CONCLUSIONS: Repithel supports healing of meshgraft transplants and reduces the risk of graft loss. Patients who heal poorly benefit particularly from the Repithel treatment.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Improved sciatic nerve regeneration by local thyroid hormone treatment in adult rat is accompanied by increased expression of SCG10.

Thyroid hormone plays an important role in regulating the development and regeneration of the nervous system. Our previous work showed that local administration of triiodothyronine (T3) at the level of transected rat sciatic nerve increased the number and diameter of regenerated axons, but the mechanism underlying the improved regeneration is still unclear. Here, we have investigated the effect of T3 on the expression of SCG10, a regulator of microtubule dynamics in growth cones. After transection of adult rat sciatic nerves, silicone tubes were implanted and filled with T3 or phosphate-buffered solution. At various time points following surgery, the expression of SCG10 protein and mRNA was analyzed. Semi-quantitative Western blot analysis revealed that sciatic nerve transection induced a more than 20-fold upregulation of SCG10 protein in proximal nerve segments at 1 day post-lesion, while at this time point, SCG10 mRNA in dorsal root ganglion neurons was not increased yet. The increase in SCG10 protein and mRNA could be observed over 30 days. Local T3 treatment significantly enhanced the increase in SCG10 protein levels about two-fold in the different segments of transected nerve during the regeneration period. Also SCG10 mRNA levels in lumbar ganglia were enhanced. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that T3 treatment not only increased the number of SCG10 positive axons but also the intensity of their staining. These results suggest that SCG10 is involved in the regulation of regeneration. The stimulating effect of T3 on SCG10 expression could provide a mechanism by which T3 enhances peripheral nerve regeneration.

Animals↗

An association study of dopamine receptors polymorphisms and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in schizophrenia.

Dopamine (DA), an important neurotransmitter in prefrontal cortex (PFC), is involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to test an association between common polymorphism of genes for DA receptors DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, and performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), measuring various functions of PFC, in 138 schizophrenic patients. Patients with G/G genotype of DRD1 tended to obtain worse results in all domains of WCST compared to patients with remaining genotypes, particularly for number of completed corrected categories, and trials to set the first category. A relationship was also found in female patients between DRD2 polymorphism and number of perseverative errors, while no association between WCST results and DRD3 or DRD4 polymorphism was observed in patients studied. The results may suggest an association between DRD1 gene polymorphism and performance on PFC test in schizophrenia. Also, the gender-dependent role of DRD2 in this process may be presumed.

Adolescent↗

Hippocampal alpha5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors modulate the expression of prepulse inhibition.

Prepulse inhibition (PPI) refers to the phenomenon in which a low-intensity prepulse stimulus attenuates the reflexive response to a succeeding startle-eliciting pulse stimulus. The hippocampus, among other structures, is believed to play an important role in the modulation of PPI expression. In alpha5(H105R) mutant mice, the expression of the alpha5 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors in the hippocampus is reduced. Here, we report that PPI was attenuated, and spontaneous locomotor activity was increased in alpha5(H105R) mutant mice. These effects were apparent in both genders. Thus, alpha5 subunit-containing GABA(A) receptors, which are located extrasynaptically and are thought to mediate tonic inhibition, are important regulators of the expression of PPI and locomotor exploration. Post-mortem analyses of schizophrenia brains have consistently revealed structural abnormalities of a developmental origin in the hippocampus. There may be a possibility that such abnormalities include disturbance of alpha5 GABA(A) receptor function or distribution, given that schizophrenia patients are known to exhibit a PPI deficit. Our data further highlight that the potential use of alpha5-selective inverse agonists to treat hippocampal-related mnemonic dysfunction needs to be considered against the possibility that such compounds may be adversely associated with deficient sensorimotor gating.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Prophylactic lithium response and polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene.

INTRODUCTION: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been involved in the pathogenesis of bipolar mood disorder and in the mechanism of mood-normalizing action of lithium. The aim of this study was to find a possible association between lithium prophylactic effect in bipolar patients and two polymorphisms of BDNF gene. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients (35 males, 53 females) with bipolar illness were studied. Duration of lithium prophylaxis ranged between 5-27 years (mean 15 years). Three categories of prophylactic lithium response were delineated: excellent responders (ER), partial responders (PR) and non-responders (NR). All patients were genotyped for two polymorphisms of BDNF gene: Val66Met and -270C/T. RESULTS: The Val/Met genotype of Val66Met polymorphism occurred more frequently (p = 0.037) and there was a trend for a higher incidence of Met allele (p = 0.076), in ER than in NR. A trend for C/T genotype and T allele of -270C/T polymorphism was observed to occur more frequently in ER than in NR (p = 0.057 and p = 0.065, respectively). CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that polymorphism of BDNF gene may be connected with a quality of lithium prophylaxis.

Adult↗

Cholesterol-lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in hamsters and minipigs.

INTRODUCTION: There has been renewed interest in mushroom medicinal properties. We studied cholesterol lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum (Gl), a renowned medicinal species. RESULTS: Organic fractions containing oxygenated lanosterol derivatives inhibited cholesterol synthesis in T9A4 hepatocytes. In hamsters, 5% Gl did not effect LDL; but decreased total cholesterol (TC) 9.8%, and HDL 11.2%. Gl (2.5 and 5%) had effects on several fecal neutral sterols and bile acids. Both Gl doses reduced hepatic microsomal ex-vivo HMG-CoA reductase activity. In minipigs, 2.5 Gl decreased TC, LDL- and HDL cholesterol 20, 27, and 18%, respectively (P < 0.05); increased fecal cholestanol and coprostanol; and decreased cholate. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, Gl has potential to reduce LDL cholesterol in vivo through various mechanisms. Next steps are to: fully characterize bioactive components in lipid soluble/insoluble fractions; evaluate bioactivity of isolated fractions; and examine human cholesterol lowering properties. Innovative new cholesterol-lowering foods and medicines containing Gl are envisioned.

Journal Article↗

Morphometry of the eyes in regenerant of genus Dugesia (Platyhelminthes, Turbellaria, Dugesiidae).

The photodocumentation technique was used weekly to observe until the end of the regenerative process of eyes in three species of Dugesia. Morphometric data based on the measurement of 96 samples of the species: Dugesia tigrina, D. schubarti, and D. anderlani were analyzed. A comparative analysis was made through graphic representation of statistical parameters of the following morphometric characters: the length of the transversal and longitudinal axes of the macula alba, pigment spot, and ocular opening. An interesting feature appeared in D. schubarti: the average of ocular opening during the regenerative process is bigger than in the original samples.

Animals↗

Dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) gene polymorphism is associated with the intensity of eye movement disturbances in schizophrenic patients and healthy subjects.

Altered dopamine neurotransmission and eye movement disturbances have been implicated in the pathogenic process of schizophrenia. So far, molecular genetic studies have shown little association between schizophrenia and polymorphism of any dopamine receptor or transporter genes except for some findings concerning D3 receptor (DRD3) gene. Eye movement disturbances occur in a majority of patients with schizophrenia and in a proportion of their first-degree relatives and they have been suggested as a phenotypic marker in genetic studies of this illness. Here we report an association between the Ser9Gly polymorphism of the DRD3 gene and the intensity of eye movement disturbances (fixation and smooth pursuit) observed in 119 schizophrenic patients and in 94 unrelated healthy control subjects. In schizophrenic patients, the mean intensity of both kinds of eye movement disturbances was highest in individuals with the Ser-Ser genotype, significantly lower in Ser-Gly and lowest in the Gly-Gly genotype. The Ser-Ser genotype was more prevalent in patients with a higher intensity of both fixation (58.1 vs 23.9% P < 0.001) and smooth pursuit disturbances (52.3 vs 25.8%, P < 0.02) and the Ser-Gly genotype frequency was lower in patients with higher fixation disturbances (37.0 vs 60.9%, P < 0.02). In control subjects, the genotype frequency Ser-Ser was higher in subjects with any degree of eye movement disturbances compared to subjects without such disturbances both for fixation and smooth pursuit performance (81.0 vs 50.7%, P < 0.05 and 79.2 vs 50.0%, P < 0.05, respectively). In control subjects the frequency of Ser-Gly was lower in the first group, for either fixation or smooth pursuit, compared to normal performers (9.5 vs 43.8%, P < 0.01 and 8.3 vs 45.7, P < 0.005, respectively). We suggest that the DRD3 Ser9Gly polymorphism may be a contributing factor to the performance of eye movements used as a phenotypic marker of schizophrenia.

Adolescent↗

Polymorphisms in the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporter genes and their relationship to temperamental dimensions measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory in healthy volunteers.

There is evidence for an association between polymorphisms of monoamine transporter genes and temperamental personality traits. Recent findings have shown that interaction of allelic variants of the different genes may contribute to the personality factors. We studied the association between temperamental personality dimensions measured with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and polymorphisms of the dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET) and serotonin (5-HTT) transporter genes in 127 healthy Polish volunteers. There were no significant differences between means of TCI temperamental dimensions (novelty seeking, reward dependence, persistence and harm avoidance) and the transporter genes compared by ANOVA. There were some significant associations between genotypes and TCI subdimensions. Individuals carrying the A9/A9 DAT genotype have lower RD4 scores (dependence vs. independence) than A10/A10 individuals (3.0 +/- 1.4 vs. 3.5 +/- 1.3); p = 0.01. Examining 5-HTT gene promoter polymorphism, heterozygous individuals (l/s) and individuals with 44-bp deletion (s/s) scored significantly lower in the HA1 subdimension (anticipatory worry and pessimism vs. uninhibited optimism; 4.3 +/- 2.3 vs. 5.5 +/- 2.6) in comparison with individuals without deletion (l/l); p = 0.021. The NET transporter gene polymorphism showed no significant association with any of the temperamental TCI subdimensions.

Adult↗

Crystal structure and optical spectroscopy of Er2[Pt(CN)4]3.21H2O and Er2[Pt(CN)4]2.SO4.11.5H2O.

We have synthesized two forms of erbium tetracyanoplatinates, Er2[Pt(CN)4]3.21H2O (red form) and Er2[Pt(CN)4]2.SO4.11.5H2O (yellow form), and determined their crystal structures by X-ray diffraction. While the red form crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn, with a = 15.4848(3) A, b = 13.8186(2) A, c = 19.07820(10) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, and Z = 4, the yellow form precipitates in the tetragonal space group I4cm, with a = b = 14.321(2) A, c = 13.338(3) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, and Z = 4. Both forms show [Pt(CN)4]2- chains but differ markedly in color and morphology. This is due to the incorporation of sulfate ions in the latter modification, leading to an increased Pt-Pt distance. The observed optical absorption and emission behavior of the title compounds is correlated with the Pt-Pt distances.

Journal Article↗

A minimalist approach to gene mapping: locating the gene for acheiropodia, by homozygosity analysis.

Acheiropodia is an autosomal recessive disease that results in hemimelia (lack of formation of the distal extremities). We performed a complete genome screen of seven members of an extended pedigree that included three siblings with acheiropodia. Homozygosity mapping was used to identify regions most likely to harbor the gene for acheiropodia in this pedigree. In these two key regions (14p and 7q), further genotyping of one additional affected member of this pedigree plus seven additional unaffected siblings provided evidence, through linkage analysis, that the 7q36 region contains the acheiropodia gene. In this region, a maximum two-point LOD score of 3.81 (4.2 with multipoint analysis) was achieved, and a homozygous haplotype spanning a region of 11.7 cM was seen in all affected in this pedigree. Finally, genotypic analysis of two additional cases of acheiropodia with no known relation to the other samples revealed homozygous sharing of a portion of the same haplotype on 7q36, which reduces the chromosomal location of the acheiropodia gene to an 8.6-cM region. Localization of this gene, at the screening level, by use of data from only three affected subjects, provides an example of how certain genes may be mapped by use of a minimal number of affected cases.

Brazil↗

Chemokines released from astroglia by vasoactive intestinal peptide. Mechanism of neuroprotection from HIV envelope protein toxicity.

The mechanism through which VIP prevents neurotoxicity associated with HIV envelope protein has been shown to involve the release of a beta-chemokine, MIP-1 alpha. Astrocytes stimulated with subnanomolar concentrations of VIP caused the release of MIP-1 alpha and RANTES, both of which have been shown to prevent neuronal cell death associated with gp120. It is further proposed that gp120 causes neuronal cell death, in part, by competing with endogenous chemokines at various chemokines receptors in the brain that are necessary for neuronal survival. Although the chemokines are known to be mediators of inflammation, our studies suggest that these compounds have additional roles as neuroprotective agents that depend on the concentration of chemokine, cellular microenvironment, and stage of development of target neurons. Our studies further imply that in a developing system, stimulation with a MIP-1 alpha like substance is necessary for neuronal survival and interference with this action results in neuronal cell death.

Animals↗