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Biomedical subjects

S Bank

Publications and source records attributed to S Bank.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Helicobacter pylori infection does not increase gastric antrum mucosal cell proliferation.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric carcinoma is the world's second most common cancer. Recent studies suggest an association between Helicobacter pylori and gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to address the effects of H. pylori infection on gastric antrum mucosal cell proliferation. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing upper endoscopy for standard indications were included in the study. A rapid urease test was used to determine the presence of H. pylori. Epithelial cell proliferation was determined by immunohistochemical techniques utilizing monoclonal antibody to bromodeoxyuridine. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the number of labeled cells and in the proliferation fraction (p > 0.1) when patients with H. pylori were compared with those without, and when those over the age of 50 were compared to those under 50. The presence of ulcers similarly had no effect (p > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori infection does not increase gastric antrum mucosal cell proliferation.

Age Factors

Diagnostic tests in chronic pancreatitis.

We review the values of various tests in the diagnosis of suspected chronic pancreatitis, and we give a practical approach to diagnosis. Most cases can be diagnosed by a consideration of history, simple radiology, and serum enzymes. Problems arise in patients with noncalcific early chronic pancreatitis, in whom pain alone is the main feature. In these patients, a sequence of tests may be required to arrive at a diagnosis of probable or possible pancreatitis to one that is proven. In some cases, only time will tell.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde

Analysis of alkylpyrrole autoxidation products by high-performance liquid chromatography with thermospray mass spectrometry and UV photodiode-array detection.

A method employing high-performance liquid chromatography with thermospray mass spectrometry (TSP-MS) and photodiode-array detection was developed and applied to the analysis of autoxidation products of 2,5-dimethyl-N-alkylpyrroles in aqueous solution under air or 18O2. Numerous oxidation products were separated, characterized and categorized, primarily as (1) non-polar oligomers without incorporated oxygen, and (2) polar, oxygen-containing monomers. Kinetic studies showed that oligomerization was the dominant autoxidation pathway, with production of unstable dimers and trimers and, ultimately, a high-molecular-mass sediment. TSP-MS together with UV and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data revealed that both the dimer and trimer contained a novel methylene bridge. These results suggest that this method is suitable for the analysis of alkylpyrrole autoxidation products that may be relevant to hexane neuropathy and products that are responsible for the instability of fuels in storage.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

[Physical and mental development of children with congenital hypothyroidism].

69 children with congenital hypothyroidism, who were detected by neonatal screening in Lower Saxony, were reevaluated 1-12 years after diagnosis. They had been treated either by regional children's hospitals, local pediatricians or general practitioners. Substitution of thyroid hormone had started for the majority between day 7 and 14, for 17%, however, only later. Symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism at birth were observed in 35 children, but only 3 cases were correctly diagnosed before the result of the screening was known. Further diagnostic tests to elucidate the cause of congenital hypothyroidism had been performed in 33 children. In 36 cases the etiology remained undiagnosed at the evaluation. Hormone therapy had been administered continuously in all cases. The somatic development of all children was normal. Bone age at the time of diagnosis was retarded in more than 50%, later it became normal in most cases. The psychomotor and intellectual development was satisfactory as assessed by psychometric tests. The mean value of the Intelligence Quotients in the children older than six years was 96.3. 5 children of this age group had an IQ below 85 and only one child had an IQ of more than 115. In the younger group the results were similar, but children younger than 4 years showed deficiencies in speech development. In summary, the somatic development of the re-examined children with congenital hypothyroidism was normal, but the psychomotor and intellectual development was only subnormal in some cases. It is therefore suggested that children with congenital hypothyroidism should be closely followed by experienced pediatricians, especially in the early years of life.

Age Determination by Skeleton

C3a receptor on dibutyryl-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human neutrophils: the human C3a receptor characterized by functional responses and 125I-C3a binding.

The anaphylatoxic peptide C3a is part of a basic immunological defense mechanism, the complement system. Research on the human C3a receptor and signal transduction is hampered by the lack of a suitable human cell or cell line. We screened tumor cell lines and human blood cells for a C3a-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and analyzed this reaction in a fura-2/AM fluorescence assay for cells in suspension. U937 cells, when differentiated with dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP), and purified human neutrophils reacted in a dose-dependent fashion to C3a and a C3a analogue synthetic peptide. We found complete homologous desensitization of this response and no heterologous desensitization to human C5a. Pertussis toxin totally blocked the increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating the possible involvement of a G-protein. Single-cell analysis by digital imaging fluorescence microscopy indicated that neutrophilic granulocytes responded to C3a. In binding studies with Bt2cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human granulocytes, the 125I-C3a binding was displaced by C3a, yielding one class of C3a binding sites with dissociation constants (Kd) in the low nanomolar range. We identified myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) as the second messenger possibly causing the [Ca2+]i increase and the release of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase as one secretory cell response. By functional and binding studies we demonstrated the expression of the C3a receptor on Bt2-cAMP-differentiated U937 cells and human neutrophils and characterized parts of the C3a signal pathway. Our data support a physiological concept in which C3a might be more important than presently thought.

Acetylglucosaminidase

P amylase is always greater than S in spot urine of normal subjects. Diagnostic implications.

Single random samples of urine were collected from 50 control subjects; 27 patients with chronic pancreatitis; 19 with acute pancreatitis; 6 with acute on chronic pancreatitis; five in the recovery phase of acute attack; four patients with pseudocysts. Salivary (S) and pancreatic (P) amylase values were measured by cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The P amylase values always exceeded those of S amylase in the control specimens. In acute pancreatitis, both the lower and upper levels of total and P amylase were considerably higher than in the controls, and these high values tended to return to normal during the recovery phase of acute pancreatitis. The S amylase values were often very low or undetectable during the acute phase. Values for P amylase exceeded control values in patients with pseudocysts even in the presence of chronic pancreatitis. In chronic calcific pancreatitis, S amylase was higher than P amylase. We conclude that P amylase is always greater than S amylase in normal urine specimens, and a change in this pattern may be helpful in diagnosing various forms of pancreatitis.

Amylases

Fungemia with Torulopsis glabrata after endoscopic biliary stent replacement.

We report a patient with disseminated cholangiocarcinoma who developed systemic fungemia subsequent to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent replacement. Despite intensive systemic antifungal therapy with iv amphotericin B, the patient developed multiple complications and eventually succumbed to her underlying disease. Cultures of the removed stent and blood were positive for the same organism, Torulopsis glabrata. In an immunocompromised host during ERCP manipulation, fungal pathogens should be considered in post-stent septicemia.

Aged

Is colonoscopy safe in the early postcolectomy period?

Colonoscopy was performed preoperatively and 1, 2, 3 and 7 days following a left hemicolectomy with a primary anastomosis in 11 dogs. The remaining colon and anastomosis were adequately visualized. Maximal intraluminal pressures achieved were from 15 to 35 mmHg. No leakage of air or intra-abdominal abscesses were present. In ten patients undergoing colonoscopy for lower gastrointestinal symptoms, the pressures were similarly measured. Although pressures were slightly higher in patients, averaging 30 mmHg, the results suggest that colonoscopy can be safely performed during the early postcolectomy period.

Air

Pneumatic dilation in patients with achalasia with a modified Gruntzig dilator (Levine) under direct endoscopic control: results after 5 years.

From 1985 to 1990, 62 patients have undergone pneumatic dilatation with the modified Gruntzig (Levine) dilator in the treatment of achalasia. A single dilatation with a 30-mm balloon dilator was successful in 85% of the patients. Nine patients required additional procedures. One elected for operative surgical repair, and eight patients underwent a second dilatation with a 35-mm balloon dilator. One patient required a third procedure with a 40-mm dilator. Two patients developed dysphagia for solids after pneumatic dilatation, and did not demonstrate delay or obstruction to the passage of technetium on follow up study. We have described this syndrome as dysfunctional dysphagia, and believe that it is related to the rapid ingestion of a food bolus, and is relieved by eating smaller portions at a slower rate. This is to be differentiated from reflux esophagitis and/or stricture secondary to reflux. One patient required bougie dilatation of a stricture, and three other patients were treated with omeprazole, ranitidine, or antacids with relief of reflux symptoms. The safety and efficacy of the procedure of pneumatic dilatation under direct endoscopic control with the modified Gruntzig dilator has been demonstrated in patients from 8 to 93 yr old, and in patients who have had prior Heller myotomy.

Adolescent

Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas producing pancreatitis and pancreatic abscess.

Pancreatic abscess is a severe complication of pancreatitis usually caused by alcohol, gallstones, abdominal trauma, or prior operative procedures. Pancreatic cancer is a rare cause of acute pancreatitis and an extremely rare cause of pancreatic abscess. We report three patients with pancreatic abscess caused by cancer who experienced a prolonged, complicated course with delay in diagnosis and substantial morbidity.

Abscess

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in nonulcer dyspepsia. Importance of stratification according to age.

Helicobacter pylori (formerly Campylobacter pylori) is causally related to active antral gastritis and is highly associated with duodenal and gastric ulcers. However, the relationship of H pylori to nonulcer dyspepsia is less clear. We determined the presence of H pylori in unselected patients who were undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, and we found a prevalence of 37% in 110 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia that was similar to previous data. Patients with nonulcer dyspepsia who had H pylori were found to be significantly older than patients with nonulcer dyspepsia who did not have H pylori. In addition, when stratified according to age, we detected an increased prevalence of H pylori in patients with nonulcer dyspepsia with increasing age, similar to that reported for asymptomatic control populations. This finding casts doubt as to the causal role of H pylori for most patients with nonulcer dyspepsia and stresses the importance of considering epidemiologic factors, such as age, when evaluating the role of H pylori in specific disease states.

Age Factors

Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the quantification of the C4 isotypes (C4A and C4B) in human plasma.

Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were developed to determine the concentration of the isotypes of the fourth component of human complement (C4A and C4B) in human plasma. In the case of C4A a monoclonal antibody against a common determinant of the alpha chain was used to capture the protein. The bound antigen was then detected with a biotinylated monoclonal antibody reacting exclusively with the C4A isotype, followed by peroxidase labeled avidin. For the quantification of C4B, C4B-specific monoclonal antibodies were coated onto a microtitration plate in order to capture the protein. Bound antigen was then detected with a biotinylated monoclonal antibody directed against C4 followed by peroxidase labeled avidin. The assays, which were rapid, selective and specific for C4A and C4B, respectively, provide an alternative to gel electrophoresis and blot procedures for the study of unexpressed alleles ('null alleles') at each of the C4 loci.

Antibodies, Monoclonal