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Biomedical subjects

W Haider

Publications and source records attributed to W Haider.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Reaction of muscles to a stimulating environment--effects on the loin muscle (M. longissimus) of Landrace pigs].

The effects of an enriched environment on growth, meat quality, and muscle biological traits were investigated using 64 castrated pigs (age range 7 to 20 weeks). Positive emotional appraisal was induced by a system that acoustically frequently called individuals out of a group (n=32) to a feeding station, where they were rewarded with small portions of feed. The results were compared with traditional fed pigs (Control; n = 32). There was no environmental effect on live weight and lean muscle percentage. However, the stimulating keeping regime reduced the intramuscular fat content of the M. longissimus by 0.2 % and increased the protein content by 0.5 %. Moreover, the drip loss of M. longissimus was 1.1 % lower in the treatment group. The analysis of muscle fibre traits (biopsy samples of M. longissimus) showed a 7 % higher proportion of oxidative muscle fibres in the pigs reared in the enriched environment. This fibre type showed a tendency to increased fibre areas. These findings indicate a higher oxidative capacity of the muscle. However, the activity of the inarker enzyme citrate synthase (CS) was not influenced and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was even increased compared to the control animals.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Effects of vinclozolin on spermatogenesis and reproductive success in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

In a one-generation reproduction study, the major agricultural fungicide vinclozolin was administered to adult Japanese quail for a period of 6 weeks at dietary levels of 125 and 500 ppm. Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected up to the highest concentration, although the examination of additional endpoints in the drakes (spermatid count, histology of the testis) provided some evidence of an inhibition of spermatogenesis at both dietary concentrations. Likewise, there were no indications of systemic toxicity in the adult birds. Plasma hormone concentrations (estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, T3, and T4) showed a large interindividual variance but treatment-related differences between the groups could not be established. There were no clear-cut indications of antiandrogenic effects in quail, although a limited transfer of the test substance into the eggs was proven.

Administration, Oral↗

Liver enzyme activity and histological changes in the liver of silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes fulva) experimentally infected with opisthorchiid liver flukes. A contribution to the pathogenesis of opisthorchiidosis.

Blood samples from silver foxes experimentally infected with Opisthorchis felineus and Metorchis bilis, respectively, were examined for the activity of liver enzymes. The average activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in uninfected control animals were 20, 1.8, 57 and 44 units/l, respectively. The liver enzymes in infected foxes reacted differently, depending on dose, species of flukes and individual peculiarities. The highest individual deviation of infected from control animals was registered in the case of GLDH, reaching increases of up to 200-fold. In contrast, AST showed the lowest deviation from control values (less than 10-fold). By the end of the study period, enzyme activities had declined. The prepatent periods for M. bilis and O. felineus in foxes were 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. High egg per gram values were established at the beginning of the patent period. At necropsy, chronic inflammatory reactions were found in the bile ducts and in the wall of the gall bladder. The number of flukes at the end of the study was low.

Alanine Transaminase↗

The effects of thoracic epidural analgesia with bupivacaine 0.25% on ventilatory mechanics in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

UNLABELLED: Optimal analgesia is important after thoracotomy in pulmonary-limited patients to avoid pain-related pulmonary complications. Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) can provide excellent pain relief. However, potential paralysis of respiratory muscles and changes in bronchial tone might be unfavorable in patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Therefore, we evaluated the effect of TEA on maximal inspiratory pressure, pattern of breathing, ventilatory mechanics, and gas exchange in 12 end-stage COPD patients. Pulmonary resistance, work of breathing, dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure, and peak inspiratory and expiratory flow rates were evaluated by assessing esophageal pressure and airflow. An increase in minute ventilation (7.50 +/- 2.60 vs 8.70 +/- 2.10 L/min; P = 0.04) by means of increased tidal volume (0.46 +/- 0.16 vs 0.53 +/- 0.14 L/breath; P = 0.003) was detected after TEA. These changes were accompanied by an increase in peak inspiratory flow rate (0.48 +/- 0.17 vs 0.55 +/- 0.14 L/s; P = 0.02) and a decrease in pulmonary resistance (20.7 +/- 9.9 vs 16.6 +/- 8.1 cm H(2)O. L(-1). s(-1); P = 0.02). Peak expiratory flow rate, dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure, work of breathing, PaO(2), and maximal inspiratory pressure were unchanged (all P > 0.50). We conclude that TEA with bupivacaine 0.25% can be used safely in end-stage COPD patients. IMPLICATIONS: Thoracic epidural anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.25% does not impair ventilatory mechanics and inspiratory respiratory muscle strength in severely limited chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Thus, thoracic epidural anesthesia can be used safely in patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Adult↗

[Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) in prevention and therapy of myocardial ischemia].

Recent times are witnessing a resurge of metabolic interventions in order to preserve myocardial tissue and improve cardiac function after hypoxic or ischaemic events. The basic principle of this therapeutic approach which differs completely from surgical and radiological revascularisation techniques as well as from direct pharmacologic stimulation of contractility by catecholamines or phosphodiesterase inhibitors is illustrated by the effect of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusions. Physiology of myocardial metabolism and its pathophysiology in hypoxia and ischaemia are discussed in their relation to the administration of GIK with its main effect of switching from the preferential fat oxydation under normal conditions to a greater percentage of glucose utilisation. GIK can be used in therapeutic intention after an ischaemic insult (myocardial infarction, preoperatively) or as a preventive measure (pre-ischaemic) e.g. prior to a planned intervention (cardiac surgery). GIK improves myocardial energy supply, economizes oxygen utilisation, stabilizes hypoxic cells, diminishes the area of infarction, and increases myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow. Both in controlled trials and in meta-analyses, GIK administration resulted in reduced mortality from myocardial infarction. In conclusion, metabolic interventions present a promising alternative or adjunctive therapeutic tool for the restitution or maintenance of myocardial integrity and cardiac function impaired or threatened by ischaemic events.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy: a comparison of two different postoperative treatment strategies.

UNLABELLED: Pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is a potentially curative surgical procedure for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. It is, nevertheless, associated with considerable mortality caused by postoperative complications, such as reperfusion pulmonary edema (RPE) (i.e., pulmonary infiltrates in regions distal to vessels subjected to endarterectomy) and right heart failure (RHF). However, there are no reports about the influence of different postoperative treatment strategies on complications and mortality. Therefore, we compared two different treatment strategies. In Group I (n = 33), positive inotropic catecholamines and vasodilators were avoided during termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and thereafter, and mechanical ventilation was performed with low tidal volumes < 8 mL/kg, duration of inspiration:duration of expiration = 3:1, and peak inspiratory pressures < 18 cm H(2)O. In Group II (n = 14), positive inotropic catecholamines and vasodilators were regularly used for termination of CPB and thereafter, and ventilation was performed with high tidal volumes (10-15 mL/kg) and peak inspiratory pressures up to 50 cm H(2)O. Hemodynamics, the incidence of RPE and RHF, duration of ventilation, morbidity, and mortality were recorded. Cardiac index was comparable before surgery (2.11 +/- 0.09 vs 2.08 +/- 0.09 L. min(-1). m(-2)) and 20 min after CPB (2.26 +/- 0.09 vs 2.60 +/- 0.20 L. min(-1). m(-2)). RPE occurred in 6.1% (Group I) versus 14.3% (Group II), and RHF was observed in 9.1% (Group I) versus 21.4% (Group II). Mortality was 9.1% (Group I) versus 21.4% (Group II). Thus, the avoidance of positive inotropic catecholamines and vasodilators in combination with nonaggressive mechanical ventilation after PTE was associated with a low incidence of RPE, RHF, duration of ventilation, and mortality after PTE. IMPLICATIONS: The avoidance of positive inotropic catecholamines and vasodilators in combination with nonaggressive mechanical ventilation was associated with a low incidence of reperfusion pulmonary edema and/or right heart failure after pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy.

Adult↗

[Abdominal vascular surgery emergencies: abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute mesenteric ischemia--indications, technique, results].

Ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysms and mesenteric ischemia are abdominal emergency situations, which should be treated by vascular surgeons. Modern means of patient transport and specialized emergency centers make it possible to bring patients suspect of having a ruptured aneurysm or a mesenteric ischemia to experienced clinics. Indication for surgery in case of symptomatic or ruptured aortic aneurysms is doubtless absolute. If there is suspicion for a ruptured aneurysm, emergency operation is indicated. In patients having undergone emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm of the infrarenal aorta, hospital mortality was 41%. The initial indication for surgery for patients with mesenteric ischemia usually is the "acute abdomen". Mostly only the patient's history reveals the suspicion for this disease. There are no valid radiologic examinations for proving or ruling out mesenteric ischemia. Most of our patients had arterial embolism (64%) as a source of mesenteric ischemia, followed by arterial thrombosis (28%), venous thrombosis (3%) and non-occlusive ischemia (5%). Monitoring of levels of serum lactate can be an additional tool for decision making, if a second look operation is discussed. The key for surgical success with these critically ill patients is shortening of the interval between the first symptoms of the patient and the start of surgical therapy.

Aged↗

Lung volume reduction surgery: preoperative functional predictors for postoperative outcome.

UNLABELLED: Approximately 20% of patients undergoing lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) exhibit no functional improvement postoperatively. Therefore, we examined whether variables characterizing ventilatory mechanics before LVRS could serve as predictors for outcome. In 32 patients undergoing LVRS, lung function, dyspnea score, and ventilatory mechanics were assessed preoperatively and 3 mo after LVRS. Ventilatory mechanics were characterized by total resistive work of breathing (WOB), mean airway resistance (Rawm), and dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi,dyn). Calculations of WOB, Rawm, and PEEPi,dyn were made from measurements of airflow, volume, and esophageal pressure. Preoperative PEEPi,dyn correlated well with the increase in forced expiratory volume percent predicted (r = 0.75; P < 0.0001) and the decrease in dyspnea score (r = -0.74; P < 0.0001) after LVRS. Rawm and WOB showed inferior correlation compared with PEEPi,dyn. The examination of distinct threshold values for WOB, Rawm, and PEEPi,dyn with respect to predicting improvement resulted in a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 88% for a cutoff point of preoperative PEEPi,dyn > or =5 cm H2O. Preoperative PEEPi,dyn correlated well with improvement in forced expiratory volume and dyspnea score after LVRS. Thus, preoperative assessment of PEEPi,dyn could improve risk to benefit stratification before LVRS. IMPLICATIONS: We examined the preoperative ventilatory mechanics of patients with emphysema undergoing lung volume reduction surgery with respect to their value in predicting outcome. Preoperative intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure correlated well with the increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 s after surgery. Thus, this variable seems promising for improved patient selection.

Adult↗

Xanthine urolithiasis in a dachshund.

Calculi were located in the kidneys, the ureters and the bladder of a two-year-old male dachshund. The yellow-greenish calculi developed as a result of impaired transformation of xanthine to uric acid resulting in an increased concentration of xanthine in the urine. The cause of the impaired catabolism of xanthine was probably a disorder of the xanthine oxidase enzyme, which catalyses the transformation of xanthine to uric acid.

Animals↗

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution does not aggravate gastric mucosal acidosis during cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Acute normovolaemic haemodilution with subsequent autologous blood transfusion after surgery is widely used to reduce homologous blood requirements during cardiac surgery. The hypothesis tested was whether a low intraoperative haematocrit (Hct) resulting from haemodilution decreases gastric mucosal pH (pHi). DESIGN: Prospective clinical investigation. SETTING: University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. PATIENTS: 16 consecutive patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: In 10 patients (group 1), 500 ml of blood was withdrawn and stored after anaesthesia induction. An equal amount of 6% hydroxyethyl starch was simultaneously infused. After discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), the autologous blood unit was transfused. Six patients (group 2), who were not subjected to haemodilution and autologous blood transfusion served as controls. In all patients, a gastric tonometry probe was inserted. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Measurements of pHi and Hct were performed before and after acute normovolaemic haemodilution, during pulsatile hypothermic (30-32 degrees C) CPB, after rewarming, and 30 min after autologous blood transfusion in group 1, and at corresponding time intervals in group 2. Repeated measures analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Data are presented as means +/- standard error of the mean. Haemodilution in group 1 caused a significant and persistent decrease in Hct (after haemodilution in group 1 34 +/- 1 vs 40 +/- 1% in group 2). In both groups, pHi decreased during rewarming and after termination of CPB. However, in group 1, pHi was better preserved than in group 2 (rewarming: 7.44 +/- 0.02 vs 7.34 +/- 0.04; after CPB: 7.38 +/- 0.03 vs 7.28 +/- 0.02; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acute normovolaemic haemodilution does not aggravate gastric mucosal acidosis during cardiac surgery.

Acidosis↗

Performance of proportional and continuous nitric oxide delivery systems during pressure- and volume-controlled ventilation.

We have evaluated the effect of delivering nitric oxide using a continuous flow system (CFS) or two commercially available proportional gas injection systems (PGIS), Nodomo (Dräger, Lübeck, Germany) and Pulmonox-Mini (Messer Griesheim Austria, Gumpoldskirchen, Austria) on measured and simulated concentrations of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide concentration was measured in a bench test at five sites in the inspiratory breathing system during volume- or pressure-controlled ventilation and mathematically simulated using a mixing chamber model. For a target concentration of 10 parts per million (ppm) at the "Y" piece, simulated nitric oxide concentrations were 1.9-139 ppm for CFS, 0.3-22 ppm for the Nodomo and 0.0-31 ppm for the Pulmonox-Mini near the nitric oxide administration site. However, peak concentrations decreased rapidly along the inspiratory system. Measured and simulated variations depended on the nitric oxide delivery system, site of measurement and tidal volume. Measured variations were four times smaller in the Nodomo than in the Pulmonox-Mini and CFS. As inappropriate mixing may occur even with PGIS, nitric oxide should probably not be administered near the "Y" piece.

Drug Administration Schedule↗

Clonidine added to the anesthetic solution enhances analgesia and improves oxygenation after intercostal nerve block for thoracotomy.

UNLABELLED: We evaluated the effect of adding clonidine to bupivacaine on postoperative pain control and oxygenation after intercostal nerve blockade (ICB) for thoracotomy, and attempted to distinguish a systemic from a local effect of clonidine. ICB with 2 mg/kg 0.5% bupivacaine was performed in 36 patients undergoing thoracotomy. Patients were randomized to one of three groups: 1) a control group that received bupivacaine with saline for ICB and an IM injection of saline, 2) an IM group that received bupivacaine with saline for ICB and an IM injection of 2 micrograms/kg clonidine, and 3) a block group that received bupivacaine with 2 micrograms/kg clonidine for ICB and an IM injection of saline. Blood gases, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and analgesic demand were determined hourly for 8 h after arrival in the postoperative care unit (PCU). Patients in the block group had significantly lower VAS scores, higher arterial oxygen tension, and lower analgesic demand for the first 4 h in the PCU, compared with the two other groups. No difference was noted thereafter. We conclude that the addition of clonidine to bupivacaine for ICB leads to a short-term effect enhancing postoperative pain control and improving arterial oxygenation, probably mediated by a direct effect on the nerves. IMPLICATIONS: Severe pain after thoracotomy can lead to impaired ventilation. We studied the effect of adding clonidine to bupivacaine for intercostal nerve blockade after thoracotomy. Clonidine administered directly on the nerves enhanced analgesia and improved oxygenation for a short time compared with systemic administration or control.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

Spirochetes from digital dermatitis lesions in cattle are closely related to treponemes associated with human periodontitis.

Digital dermatitis (DD), first described in 1974 by Cheli and Mortellaro (R. Cheli and C. Mortellaro, p. 208-213, in Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Diseases of Cattle, 1974), is a major problem in diary cows and beef cattle causing significant economic losses worldwide. Lesions are typically found at the volar skin proximal to the heel bulbs. Microscopic examination of biopsies or touch preparations of these lesions revealed a variety of different bacterial morphotypes including significant numbers of spirochetes which often represent the predominant morphotype. We used comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis to determine the diversity and phylogeny of these hitherto unclassified DD spirochetes. Results indicate that those lesions looked at so far contained at least five spirochetal phylotypes, all clustering within the genus Treponema. Phylotype DDKL-4 was nearly identical (99.4% similarity) to that of a nonpathogenic human treponeme, T. phagedenis. Two phylotypes DDKL-3 and DDKL-13 were closely related to those from treponemes commonly found in human periodontitis lesions, i.e., T. denticola and T. vincetii, exhibiting 95 and 98% similarity, respectively. The other two phylotypes, DDKL-12 and DDKL-20, had no close relatives to any cultivable treponemal species but clustered to previously described group IV oral treponemes. Preliminary analysis using in situ hybridization with fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes against smears from DD biopsies revealed that from all lesions analyzed so far, T. denticola-like spirochetes were detected in the highest proportion of all spirochetal morphotypes.

Animals↗

Early onset of pulmonary mucormycosis with pulmonary vein thrombosis in a heart transplant recipient.

Pulmonary infections are major complications in heart transplantation. Progress in antimicrobial chemotherapy has switched the clinical spectrum to an increased incidence of fungal pathogens, such as Candida and Aspergillus species. Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection with high mortality in solid-organ transplant recipients usually ensuing several months after transplantation. We describe a 45-year-old patient with pulmonary mucormycosis manifestion 5 days after heart transplantation. The infection resulted in pulmonary vein thrombosis followed by hemorrhagic infarction. Despite antifungal treatment and surgical resection, the patient died on day 14 after transplantation. Antemortem diagnostic procedures were negative; autopsy confirmed the presence of Rhizopus oryzae invading blood vessels. We conclude that physicians must be aware of mucormycosis even within one week after heart transplantation--which has not been described so far. Invasive diagnostic workup is mandatory in case of suspicion; amphotericin B and, in selected cases, surgical resection are the mainstays of therapy.

Heart Transplantation↗

Early postoperative stress: video-assisted wedge resection/lobectomy vs conventional axillary thoracotomy.

Postoperative pain is a major cause of ineffective breathing after lung surgery, predisposing patients to hypoxemia. Because potent analgesics like opioids depress ventilation and other analgesic techniques are time-consuming, efficient postoperative pain therapy is difficult. Therefore, a less painful surgical approach could be beneficial. Forty-seven patients with diagnosis of a pulmonary nodule were prospectively studied. Patients were assigned to a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) group (n=22) or a group undergoing axillary thoracotomy (n=25). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, plasma glucose levels, plasma epinephrine and plasma norepinephrine levels, as well as arterial oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) tension were determined the day before surgery, and 3, 15, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. Postoperative piritramide (a synthetic morphine compound) demand was recorded. VAS values were significantly lower (p<0.05) during the whole observation period in the VATS group. Significantly higher epinephrine levels were observed 3 and 15 h after surgery (267.4 +/- 28 vs 111.8 +/- 13 ng/L; p<0.01; and 176.6 +/- 46.5 vs 96 +/- 14.5 ng/L; p<0.05) in the thoracotomy group, whereas there was no significant difference in norepinephrine (correction of norephinephrine) levels. Piritramide demand was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the VATS group throughout the whole observation period. There was no difference in PaCO2 values but PaO2 Values were higher in the VATS group over 72 h, with maximum differences occurring at 15 h after operation: 60.9 +/- 1.9 vs 49.2 +/- 2.4 mm Hg (p<0.01). In conclusion, the videoendoscopic approach is associated with less postoperative pain and better oxygenation than traditional surgical approaches.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

[Strangulation ileus of the jejunum combined with intersexuality in a horse].

An apparently unilateral cryptorchid stallion was referred to the clinic with a history of colic. In the course of laparotomy an ileus caused by strangulation of the small intestine was found and the horse was euthanized because of poor prognosis. During autopsy strictures and ectasia of the jejunum were found as well as hermaphroditism along with male phenotype. The frequency of cryptorchidism in the case of intersexuality is discussed.

Animals↗