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Biomedical subjects

V Reinhardt

Publications and source records attributed to V Reinhardt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Differences in anxiety between first-time and multiple-time inmates: a multicultural perspective.

The present study investigated differences in anxiety symptoms and associated features between 129 first-time and multiple-time male inmates from a large urban jail. Participants were assessed on three separate anxiety measures: the Structured Clinical Interview of DSM-III-R Disorders (SCID) anxiety disorders module, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and anxiety scales of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). First-time inmates were found to have more symptom severity for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, especially symptoms related to scanning and vigilance. Both first-time and multiple-time inmates evidenced higher state than trait anxiety, although this pattern did not hold for African Americans. Contrary to previous research, few ethnic differences were found in this incarcerated sample.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The African polio vaccine-acquired immune deficiency syndrome connection.

Seroepidemiological, clinical and molecular findings suggest that the acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus human immunodeficiency virus-1 was introduced into the human species at the time (late 1950s) and in the geographic area (Zaire) in which millions of Africans were vaccinated with attenuated poliomyelitis virus strains that were produced in kidney tissue obtained from monkeys. Since monkeys not only harbor viruses that are remarkably similar to and genetically related to human immunodeficiency virus-1, but also served as tissue donors for the African polio vaccine, it is reasonable to suspect that a then non-detectable monkey virus with human-1-like properties was unknowingly co-cultured with the attenuated poliovirus virus and subsequently administered to the vaccinees. The possibility of such a polio vaccine-acquired immune deficiency syndrome connection is a reminder of the unpredictable danger of artifically crossing natural species-barriers in biomedical laboratories.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Elevation of intracranial pressure in acute AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis.

Prior to the AIDS-era, elevation of intracranial pressure was known to be a typical complication of cryptococcal meningitis associated with an increased risk of early death. In AIDS-patients, however, the prevalence and clinical significance of this complication are as yet unclear. We analysed clinical features and courses, CSF findings, serological results and neuroimaging scans in acute cryptococcal meningitis in eight patients with AIDS. Five showed symptoms and signs compatible with raised intracranial pressure, which was life-threatening in one and the most probable cause of death in another. Serial monitoring of intracranial pressure together with repeated CSF analysis revealed that severe intracranial pressure elevation in AIDS related cryptococcal meningitis can occur in spite of effective antimycotic treatment, does not depend on an increased CSF/serum osmolality ratio or CSF overproduction and can be associated with normal cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Our data support the hypothesis that CSF reabsorption failure plays the crucial role in the pathophysiological mechanism. External lumbar drainage may be of benefit in selected cases of acute AIDS related cryptococcal meningitis with persisting life threatening elevation in intracranial pressure and normal computed tomogram.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1994

[The scar tissue protective effect of free autologous fatty tissue transplants. An animal experiment on spinal surgery].

All spinal operations can be followed by the formation of extensive epidural scar tissue. The development of fibrous adhesions around the nerve roots is known to be the main cause of recurrent symptoms after lumbar discectomy. In the past many materials have been used to prevent or to reduce postlaminectomy membrane, with very different results. They have to be implanted onto the dura at the end of the operation. Therefore, we carried out the following controlled experimental study in dogs to compare the materials that seemed to be most suitable. In 30 adult beagles three lumbar laminectomies were performed. For each level a different material was used--free autologous fat graft, cellulose mesh, gel foam, triamcinolone suspension. Animals were sacrificed after 7 days and 1, 3, and 6 months. The lumbar vertebral columns were prepared for further histological examination. We found that free autologous fat grafts reduce epidural scarring in a high percentage, especially after 3 and 6 months. Only in this group good or excellent results were found at all lumbar levels (n = 18). To compare the results with each other we used a newly developed classification scheme (I-IV). The consistency and extent of scar tissue, the kind of cellular infiltrations, and adhesions to the surrounding structures were estimated separately. Cellulose mesh yielded the worst results. We conclude that free autologous fat is superior to other materials, because of: (1) simple and uncomplicated operative handling, (2) good compatibility and (3) effective prevention of postlaminectomy membrane.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1994

GABA binding sites: their density, their affinity to muscimol and their behaviour against neuroactive steroids in human gliomas of different degrees of malignancy.

The aim of the present investigation was to answer the question if there exists a relation between the equipment of human gliomas with GABA binding sites and the degree of malignancy of these tumours diagnostically characterized according to WHO classification. The following parameters were assessed: the density, the affinity and the sensitivity to the modulating steroids 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-one (3 alpha OH-DHP) and 3 alpha,21 dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-one (THDOC). Scatchard analysis and non linear computerization revealed that the occurrence of GABA sites was directly related to the degree of tumour malignancy: GABA sites were only detectable in lower malignant gliomas of WHO grade II but not in the very malignant glioblastomas. However, irrespective of the individual density to be detected all glioma GABA sites were sensitive to 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-one (3 alpha OH-DHP) and 3 alpha,21 dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnane-20-one (THDOC) without exception. The effects of THDOC were due to increases in the number of binding sites whereas in the presence of 3 alpha OH-DHP a decrease in affinity was noted, additionally. These findings support the view of a normal functional integrity of GABA receptors in gliomas.

Anti-Anxiety Agents↗
PubMed1994

Pair-housing rather than single-housing for laboratory rhesus macaques.

A total of 378 adult and juvenile rhesus macaques of both sexes were transferred from single- to isosexual pair-housing arrangements. The incidence of serious injury resulting from partner incompatibility was 0.8% during the first year after pair formation. It was concluded that pair-housing offers a safe option to address the animals' social needs in compliance with federal rules and professional standards.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1993

Spheroid control of malignant glioma cell lines after fractionated irradiation: relation to the surviving fractions at 2 Gy and colony forming efficiencies in a soft agar clonogenic assay.

Spheroid control doses (SCD50) were determined for ten human glioma lines after fractionated irradiation under oxic conditions. In addition, SF2 values and colony forming efficiencies (CFE) were measured in a soft agarose clonogenic assay. A significant relationship existed between the SCD50 values and the SF2-CFE data pairs (p = 0.01) but the SCD50 values were higher than expected from the SF2 and CFE values. This comparison shows the influence of environmental factors (different in both model systems) on reproductive tumour cell death after irradiation.

Cell Aggregation↗
PubMed1991

Is progression in postencephalitic Parkinson's disease late and age-related?

Follow-up data are presented of ten patients with autopsy-proven postencephalitic Parkinson's syndrome (PEP) (mean age at death: 56.0 years) with regard to motor and psychic deterioration over a period of institutional observation between 3 and 30 years. Four patients showed deterioration of their Hoehn-Yahr score of at least one grade. These patients did not differ statistically with respect to age of occurrence of lethargic encephalitis, interval to PEP, age at start of PEP, duration of survival with PEP, and age at death. Motor deterioration in these patients seems to be attributed more to inherent disease progression, rather than to an age-related process. Clinical and pathological evidence for this conclusion is presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Group formation of previously single-caged adult rhesus macaques for the purpose of environmental enrichment.

An attempt was made to form two groups of 6 previously single-caged adult female and 6 previously single-caged adult male rhesus macaques. The study was based on the premise that simultaneous introduction of familiar animals reduces the risks involved during group formation. Future group members were therefore given ample opportunity to physically interact with each other on a one-to-one basis and were considered ready for group formation only when they had demonstrated compatibility and clear-cut dominance-subordination relationships. Both group formation attempts were failures. Aggressive incompatibility was heralded by certain subjects challenging other partners to whom they had originally been subordinate. Aggressive harassment was intensive and persistent. Victims showed no resistance except for fear-grinning and crouching in submission. They did so to no avail. Both groups were split again within the first hour of introduction to avoid fatal consequences. It was concluded, that unlike pair-housing, group-housing of previously single caged adult rhesus macaques is associated with considerable risks which cannot be overcome by systematically familiarizing all group members before the animals are introduced as a group. There is no guarantee that well established dyadic relationships do not break down within the more complex social structure of the group, thereby triggering aggressive conflicts that put the animals' safety into undue jeopardy.

Aggression↗
PubMed1991

Impact of venipuncture on physiological research conducted in conscious macaques.

A survey of 397 publications dealing with macaques was conducted. Stress-sensitive physiological data collected during venipuncture were evaluated in 58 reports. Despite of the fact that venipuncture often is a stressful event for research animals, 81% of the studies did not account for this circumstance by providing no information as to how the subjects were caught and how they were immobilized during venipuncture. Common practices suggest that the animals were physically restrained with squeeze-backs or forced with fear-inducing techniques to leave their home areas and enter a transport cage in most of these studies, and that they experienced additional stress, triggered by manual or mechanical immobilization during actual venipuncture. It was concluded that the description of the experimental animal's handling prior to and during venipuncture is a methodological issue which needs to be clarified in order to account for a dependent possibly data-biasing variable. It was recommended that experimental animals should be trained to cooperate during inhomecage venipuncture whenever stress-sensitive blood parameters are examined.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Impact of a privacy panel on the behavior of caged female rhesus monkeys living in pairs.

Thirty paired female rhesus monkeys were tested in a control situation when companions had no privacy, and in an experimental situation when they were offered the option to move behind a panel and be alone. Paired partners spent significantly more time in close proximity (same half of the cage) when the privacy panel was provided (means with panel = 76.0%/h vs. means no panel = 60.8%/h; p less than 0.005). At the same time, they were more engaged in affiliative interactions (means with panel = 37.4%/h vs. means no panel = 26.5%/h; p less than 0.025) while the incidence of agonistic interactions tended to decrease (means with panel = 0.3/h vs. means no panel = 2.2/h; p less than 0.1). It was concluded that rhesus monkeys have a need for companionship. They prefer to stay in close proximity with a compatible partner even though this may reduce their available cage space. It was further concluded that companions have no need for prolonged periods of visual seclusion, but occasional privacy is beneficial for their relationship.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Serum cortisol concentrations of single-housed and isosexually pair-housed adult rhesus macaques.

Possible social distress was evaluated in 20 adult rhesus macaques housed in compatible isosexual pairs (5 female pairs, 5 male pairs) for the purpose of social environmental enrichment. Serum cortisol concentrations of paired animals were compared with serum cortisol concentrations of individually housed adult rhesus macaques of both sexes (5 females, 5 males). In both sexes, cortisol concentrations of paired animals (means 10 females = 19.5 +/- 2.9 micrograms/dl; means 10 males = 17.5 +/- 4.6 micrograms/dl) showed no significant difference (p always greater than 0.1) with those of single animals (means 5 females = 20.5 +/- 2.1 micrograms/dl; means 5 males = 15.9 +/- 2.6 micrograms/dl). Both in male and in female pairs, dominant partners had cortisol concentrations that were equivalent to those of their subordinate counterparts. It was concluded that neither female nor male adult rhesus macaques experience more distress when sharing a cage with a compatible partner of the same sex than when living alone.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Meningioma in psychiatry. Clinico-pathologic contribution to differential cerebral organic psychosyndrome diagnosis in middle and advanced age].

A clinico-pathological follow-up of mentally ill patients of the Rheinische Landesklinik Düsseldorf between 1960 and 1984 revealed intracranial space-occupying processes in 47 of 1023 post mortem examinations (4.6%). 9 of the 47 cases (19%) were meningiomas. 5 patients of those clinically not diagnosed as having meningioma had signs of raised intracranial pressure at post mortem, in 4 others the meningioma was in incidental finding of presumably lacking clinical significance. 4 other meningioma patients were diagnosed while alive; 2 of them were operated on the tumor. Short- and longterm psychiatric features of meningioma patients bear many similarities with mental symptoms due to other causes in middle and old age with also similar problems in differential diagnosis. There is no raised incidence of meningioma among patients presenting psychiatrically. "Endoform" features in psychopathology are rarely encountered in meningioma patients. According to the pertinent literature an operation in due time ameliorates or abolishes predominantly psychiatric illness in about 80% of meningioma patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Brain abscess and infections aneurysm of extravascular origin.

Acute and chronic ear infection can lead to intracranial involvement. We report on a case in which two typical cerebral complications followed a chronic otitis media. It seemed that there was no causal relationship between brain abscess and meningitis. The meningitis itself was complicated by rupture of an infectious intracranial aneurysm with fatal outcome. We have not been able to find a similar case in the literature. Clinical picture and therapeutic management are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Cortisol response of female rhesus monkeys to venipuncture in homecage versus venipuncture in restraint apparatus.

Cortisol response of ten single-caged adult female rhesus monkeys during venipuncture in a restraint apparatus was compared with cortisol response of ten paired and five single-caged adult female rhesus monkeys during venipuncture in the homecage. Results demonstrated that in-homecage venipuncture offers a methodological improvement for research protocols that require blood collection of undisturbed animals.

Animals↗