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Biomedical subjects

U Frank

Publications and source records attributed to U Frank.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Surgical therapy of camptodactyly].

Camptodactyly is caused by an imbalance between the flexor and extensor forces at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fingers. Although the etiology is not completely clear, the lumbrical muscle anomalies seem to play an important part in the pathogenesis of camptodactyly. The insertion of this intrinsic muscle often differs greatly from that described in anatomical textbooks. In our series, we transposed the lumbrical muscle and the superficial flexor tendon to the extensor tendon creating a better balance between extensor and flexor forces. Additionally, we performed skin-lengthening procedures and, if necessary, an arthrolysis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. In this study, we present a new classification of preoperative guidelines to ameliorate the operative treatment of camptodactyly.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[The expanded suicide attempt in depressive patients and its sequelae. The forensic and therapeutic considerations in 3 case reports].

Despite of the frequency of depressive disorders among the population, forensic aspects of depression are rare and usually focussed on suicidal behaviour, especially the so-called homicide-suicide (homicide followed by suicide). Today therapeutic strategies are seen in the first stage of dealing with depressed homicide-suicide attempters. Apart from the question of guilt with regard to the homicidal act, the question of recurrence of depression and the danger of a possibly repeated homicidal-suicidal behaviour are discussed in the light of three clinical cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus catheter-related infection and infective endocarditis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in the experimental rabbit model.

The role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor with and without antibiotics in the treatment of catheter-related infection and infective endocarditis caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was assessed in the experimental rabbit model. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor stimulated leukocytosis in infected animals but did not increase the clearance of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus from peripheral blood, subcutaneous port catheters, intravascular cardiac catheters, or aortic valve vegetations.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Folate deficiency, anticonvulsant drugs, and psychiatric morbidity.

The folic acid (FOA) level was determined in serum and erythrocytes in 100 epileptic patients and 100 control patients using a luminescence assay. A lowered FOA concentration in serum, erythrocytes, or both was observed in 15% of the epileptic patients and in 2% of the control group. In the epileptic patients, the FOA in the serum and in the erythrocytes was significantly lower than that in the control group. Patients receiving carbamazepine monotherapy had a significantly lower FOA level in the erythrocytes than did patients receiving phenytoin monotherapy. The FOA level showed a negative correlation to the duration of epilepsy. None of the patients with lowered FOA had a normal mental status. The course of the supplementation treatment with 5 mg folinic acid (or FOA) of four patients with FOA deficiency could be monitored psychopathometrically. All four patients showed an improvement in their well-being and the majority of measured variables of the cognitive performance.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

In vitro activity of sodium bisulfite and heparin against staphylococci: new strategies in the treatment of catheter-related infection.

Device-related infections often persist until the device is removed because systemic antibiotic therapy fails frequently. In an in vitro model, the activity of sodium bisulfite (an antioxidant added to many drugs) heparin with chlorbutol or chlorcresol as preservatives, and their combination with cefpirom for treating the internal surface of polyurethane and silicone catheters colonized with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was studied. Sodium bisulfite (0.05%) markedly reduced catheter colonization. Heparin combined with chlorbutol, 1000 micrograms/mL of cefpirom, and 0.05% of sodium bisulfite was not more effective than sodium bisulfite alone. A lesser effect was shown by treating adherent bacteria on both catheters with heparin plus preservatives alone. Not only antibiotics but also other substances with antibacterial activity should be evaluated for treatment and prophylaxis of catheter-related infection.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed1993

Effect of thrombocytopenia on the early course of streptococcal endocarditis.

Although platelets are a major factor in the pathogenesis of endocarditis, it is unclear if these cells promote or limit disease progression. To address this issue, the effects of thrombocytopenia on the early course of endovascular infection were examined. Aortic valve endocarditis was produced in rabbits by using Streptococcus sanguis M99. Thrombocytopenia was induced by intravenous administration of antiplatelet serum. Compared with controls (infected rabbits given nonimmune serum), thrombocytopenic rabbits had higher densities of streptococci within vegetations (mean log10 cfu/g, 9.78 vs. 8.11, P < .002) and a higher total number of bacteria per valve (mean log10 total cfu/valve, 8.96 vs. 7.43, P < .004). When tested for its interactions with platelets in vitro, strain M99 bound, activated, and aggregated rabbit platelets extensively and was rapidly killed by platelet microbicidal protein. These results indicate that platelets can limit disease progression in endocarditis. The host defense properties of platelets may in part be mediated by platelet microbicidal protein.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Treatment of intraperitoneal abscess--ultrasound controlled percutaneous or surgical drainage?].

In a retrospective study the effectiveness of ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage (n = 36) was compared with that of surgery (n = 38) in the treatment of intraperitoneal abscesses. The treatment was successful in 95% while 5% of the patients in both groups died from progressive septic shock; one complication in each group occurred. There is a significant difference in terms of hospital stay (18 vs. 26 days) that favor the percutaneous treatment.

Abscess↗
PubMed1992

Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in general thoracic surgery.

A prospective study of the efficacy of ampicillin in combination with sulbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, (A/S) in perioperative prophylaxis was performed. The study consisted of two independent parts performed at the same time. Part I included 60 patients with lobectomies and segmentectomies. Group A (A/S 1 x 3 g "single shot") was compared with group B (A/S 3 x 3 g). Superficial wound infections occurred in 3 patients of group A and in 2 patients of group B. There was no empyema. Bronchitis and pneumonia were found in 10 patients of group A and in 7 patients of group B. Part II examined 25 pneumonectomies receiving A/S 3 x 3 g for 3 days. Concentrations of ampicillin and sulbactam in serum and lung tissue were determined and showed adequate levels to cope with usual bacteria in lung surgery. There was one superficial wound infection, 2 cases of bronchitis, and 2 cases of pneumonia.

Ampicillin↗
PubMed1992

Permeation resistance of glove materials to agricultural pesticides.

The toxicities of many agricultural pesticides require that hand protection be used by persons who mix, load, and apply these products, as specified on the label and material safety data sheet. Selection of gloves for formulations that contain organic solvents is particularly problematic because a solvent that permeates the glove can carry with it the active ingredient of the pesticide formulation. With a test method that measures the simultaneous permeation of the carrier solvent(s) and active ingredient(s), in particular those active ingredients that have low solubility in water and low volatility, over 100 permeation tests (in triplicate) with approximately 20 pesticide formulations were conducted with 13 different glove materials. These results are summarized and generalizations are presented within the perspective of the large base of permeation data for neat chemicals and another large permeation study with pesticides. Key among the findings is that the carrier solvent generally permeates first and at a much higher rate than the active ingredient. Furthermore, the permeation behavior of formulations containing solvents generally mirrored that of neat carrier solvents alone. Thus, insight into the selection of the most appropriate glove material for a given pesticide formulation can be gained from permeation data for neat chemicals. For the types of solvents that may be present in pesticide formulations, preferred materials include nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, and plastic film laminates. Natural rubber and polyvinyl chloride materials generally are not recommended.

Agrochemicals↗
PubMed1991

[Hygienic and economic significance of sewer drainage in hospitals. Architectural changes in the guidelines of the Federal Health Office].

The hygienic importance of barrier zoning in hospitals has been evaluated on the basis of the relevant international literature between 1970 and 1989. There have been only a very few pertinent publications and in none has there been any pointer which would support the hypothesis of barriers having an infection-preventing effect. Using four University Hospitals in Baden-Würtemberg as paradigms, a model was prepared for calculating what space and cost savings were possible, if a simpler system could be installed, instead of the one demanded under federal regulations and already planned for the four hospitals. It was found that it would save a realizable area of 319,5 m2 at a potential cost saving of DM 1,138,335. By dispensing with hygienically not justifiable building work at the planning stage of new hospitals considerable greater costs could be avoided.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1989

Influence of architectural design on nosocomial infections in intensive care units--a prospective 2-year analysis.

Nosocomial infection rates in an old intensive care ward constructed in 1924 were compared with those in a new one constructed in 1986. The nosocomial infection rate in the old unit was 34.2% and that in the new unit 31.9%, with an average of 33%. The most frequent infections were: pneumonia, urinary tract infection, septicaemia and wound infection. After transfer of the intensive care unit (ICU) the incidence and profile of nosocomial infections remained the same. These findings suggest that the influence of architectural design has little impact on the incidence of nosocomial infections.

Cohort Studies↗
PubMed1989

Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus treated with topical mupirocin (pseudomonic acid) in a children's hospital.

2% mupirocin ointment applied intra-nasally for 5 days was assessed for elimination of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in 31 staff members in a children's hospital. Three volunteers failed to complete the trial because of side effects, i.e. buccal reddening and swelling, and unpleasant taste. During treatment staphylococcal nasal carriage was not found in any case; of the 24 post-treatment nasal swabs taken 4 days after treatment 22 were still negative. Re-colonization with S. aureus of different phage types occurred in the remaining two cases.

Administration, Intranasal↗