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Biomedical subjects

A Kovács

Publications and source records attributed to A Kovács.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Pancreatogenic panniculitis based on 2 cases].

The rarest and hardly known complication of pancreas diseases is the subcutaneous nodular fat necrosis, a special type of panniculitides. It is mostly associated with pancreatitis and adenocarcinoma of pancreas. Its diagnostic criteria are (1) red painless or occasionally painful nodules showing a tendency of coalescence, emolition and fistulation on the lower extremities and later anywhere on the body, (2) alcoholic case-history, (3) tense, painful joints, (4) elevated pancreatic enzyme levels in the blood and urine. Since the underlying pancreas diseases may be asymptomatic, the pancreatogen panniculitis should be considered as a noteworthy marker of them. The histologic findings are pathognomic. In pancreatogen panniculitis in all likelihood the remote foci of adiponecrosis are due to the local action of pancreatic lipolytic enzymes carried by the blood. The question has not been settled yet. In this article there are presented two cases of pancreatogen panniculitis, recognized by the consultant dermatologist. Referral diagnoses of both cases were misleading: "erythema nodosum" in the first case and "drug eruption" in the second one. The determinant underlying pancreas disease in both cases was pancreatitis with pseudocyst resulted from alcoholic toxicomany.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1997

[Mandibular reconstruction using a microvascular method in the transplantation of a fibular flap].

The best results in mandibular reconstruction are achieved by transplantation of vascularised bone. This transplant has an own blood supply therefore its surviving is not influenced by the non-sterile environment of the oral cavity and the insufficient blood supply of the operated area (caused by scar or radiation). A new promising method for reconstruction of a wide segmented defect of the mandible is vascularised fibular flap transplantation. Eight consecutive patients treated with fibular flap transplantation in 1993 and 1994 were reviewed. Osteo- and osteo-cutan flaps were used for reconstruction of the composite tissue defects. The authors report on the surgical technique and their first experiences. The authors consider the application of the fibular flap the most successful procedure of all types of reconstruction of segmented mandibular defect.

Female↗
PubMed1997

[Senile depression in everyday medical practice].

The authors suggest that though the prevalence of depressive disorders among people over 65 is high, it is not diagnosed in many cases. They give different rating scales and symptom-lists, which can help the diagnostic procedure. It is pointed out that, according to the etiologic factors, the mood disorders of elderly people form together the clinical picture. The modern pharmaco- and physiotherapeutic treatments of depression are briefly discussed, too. The authors emphasize, that the depression of the elderly can be treated efficiently.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Electrophysiological effects of EGIS-7229, a new antiarrhythmic agent, in isolated mammalian and human cardiac tissues.

The cellular electrophysiological effects of EGIS-7229 (5-chlor-4-[N-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl-ethyl)-amino-propylamino]-3 (2H)-pyridazinone fumarate), a novel antiarrhythmic agent, was studied using conventional microelectrode techniques in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers and papillary muscle preparations obtained from man, rabbits and guinea pigs. Low concentration of EGIS-7229 (3 mumol/l) selectively lengthened action potential duration (both APD50 and APD90) in all preparations. The effect of higher concentrations (30-100 mumol/l) of EGIS-7229 on action potential duration was variable depending on the preparation studied: in rabbit and human papillary muscles both APD50 and APD90 were lengthened, in canine Purkinje fibers APD90 was lengthened but APD50 was shortened, while in guinea pig papillary muscles both APD50 and APD90 were shortened by high concentrations of the drug. At these higher concentrations EGIS-7229 also decreased the maximum velocity of action potential upstroke (Vmax) and depressed the plateau of action potentials without affecting the resting membrane potential or action potential amplitude. Both reduction of Vmax and lengthening of APD were frequency dependent. The former effect was more prominent at higher pacing frequencies, while the latter was more pronounced at lower driving rates. In guinea pig papillary muscle, the time constant of recovery from Vmax-block was 719 +/- 33 ms (n = 18) and the rate of onset of the block was 1.81 +/- 0.06 AP-1 (n = 16) in the presence of 100 mumol/l EGIS-7229. EGIS-7229 had a complex action on refractoriness in guinea pig papillary muscles: ERP was lengthened at low concentrations (3 to 10 mumol/l), unchanged at 30 mumol/l and shortened at 100 mumol/l. The ratio of ERP/APD90, however, was significantly increased at concentrations higher than 3 mumol/l. In canine Purkinje fiber, when the delayed rectifier K current (IK) was blocked by d-sotalol (60 mumol/l) and APD was shortened back to its control value by additional application of nicorandil (15 mumol/l), APD was not affected by 3 mumol/l but was shortened by 30 mumol/l of EGIS-7229. 100 mumol/l EGIS-7229 shortened APD in guinea pig papillary muscle. This effect of EGIS-7229 was effectively prevented by nifedipine pretreatment (10 mumol/ l). In this preparation, EGIS-7229 also decreased the Vmax of the slow action potential, evoked in the presence of 20 mmol/l external K+ plus 0.5 mmol/l Ba2+. It is likely that EGIS-7229 at low concentrations blocks IK in human, canine, rabbit and guinea pig cardiac preparations, but at higher concentrations also inhibits Ca and Na currents. Therefore, EGIS-7229 appears to carry mixed class III, IV and IB antiarrhythmic properties.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1997

[Madelung disease. A case report with special reference to therapy].

Madelung-Launois-Bensaude lipomatosis is a rare disease characterized by an enormous accumulation of fat, mainly in the region of the neck. A case is presented to illustrate the course of the disease and its clinical features. In particular, the necessity for a bilateral conservative neck dissection is emphasized to avoid early recurrence.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1997

Free arterialised venous forearm flaps for intraoral reconstruction.

In 29 patients, the intraoral defect after excision of an oral squamous cell carcinoma was repaired with an arterialised venous forearm flap. In all cases, a flap of skin and fat with a superficial vein passing through it was raised from the flexor surface of the right forearm. After the flap had been sutured into the intraoral defect, the original distal end of the vein was anastomosed to an artery and the original proximal end to a vein. Fifteen (52%) of the flaps survived completely, six (21%) had superficial epithelial loss or some marginal necrosis and eight (27%) became completely necrotic. Areas of partial loss developed slowly and formed stable granulation tissue. The flap donor sites were either closed primarily (n = 20) or were covered with a split thickness skin graft (n = 9). There were no functional problems of the donor forearms. These results contrast with the high success rates achieved with orthodox free radial forearm flaps. Further research into venous flaps is essential.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Electrophysiological effects of EGIS-7229, a new antiarrhythmic agent, in isolated guinea pig papillary muscle.

1. The cellular electrphysiological effects of EGIS-7229, a novel antiarrhythmic agent, were studied in guinea pig papillary muscles with the use of conventional microelectrode techniques. 2. The drug had a concentration-dependent biphasic effect on action potential duration (APD). APD was significantly lengthened at low concentration (3 mumol/1), whereas it was shortened at concentrations higher than 10 mumol/l. 3. At concentrations higher than 10 mumol/l, the drug decreased the maximum velocity of action potential upstroke (Vmax), the force contraction, and altered the restitution kinetics of APD. 4. The effect of EGIS-7229 on Vmax was frequently dependent; it was most prominent at short pacing cycle lengths (use-dependent block). 5. On the basis of present results, EGIS-7229 appears to carry mixed class I and class III characteristics. Class III properties are present at low concentrations, whereas, at higher concentrations, class I actions may be predominant.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1996

[Six cases of basal cell nevus carcinoma in three families].

Six cases of three families had basal cell nevus cacinoma syndrome of autosomal dominant inheritance. Five characteristics of this genetic disease are stressed: (1) 40% of cases had sporadic occurrence due to de novo mutations; (2) there are three phases in the manifestation of the disease: congenital abnormalities diagnosed after birth; nevoid phase during childhood with increase at adolescence; oncogen phase after the second decade; (3) symptoms have a variability and age-dependency, (4) this mutant gene can cause both congenital abnormalities and tumours; (5) these patients are very sensitive for environmental mutagens thus it is necessary to limit or to exclude UV and X-rays, cytostatic and immunosuppressive drug treatments.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the CGRP-induced behavior of rats.

The possible role of nitric oxide (NO) in CGRP-induced passive avoidance, active avoidance, and open field behavior was tested in rats. A specific NO synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NA), was used to disrupt NO synthesis. ICV administration of 5 micrograms of L-NA reversed the action of CGRP in passive and active avoidance tests. In an open field, L-NA prevented the action of CGRP on locomotion and grooming. The inactive isomer D-NA had no effect on behavior of animals. The data suggest that NO might contribute to CGRP-induced behavior in rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Parotid gland ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

The diagnostic value of parotid gland ultrasonography (Acuson 128, 7 MHz transducer) was studied in 62 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and in 69 controls of similar age and sex distribution. Different degrees (mild, evident or gross) of parenchymal inhomogeneity (PIH) were the most important sonographic changes in SS; they occurred in 83.9% of the patients. The sonographic results (the presence or absence of PIH) were in accordance with the parotid sialographic and scintigraphic findings and the histology of the minor salivary glands in 87.3, 84.7 and 84.3% of the cases, respectively. Of the degrees of PIH, only evident and gross PIH are thought to be of true diagnostic value for SS. On the basis of the good agreement between the sonographic and sialographic results, consideration of the introduction of parotid sonography as an alternative to sialography is suggested in SS if the latter method cannot be performed.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Bowen's disease: statistical study of a 10 year period.

According to histological records, a total of 74 patients were diagnosed with Bowen's disease (B.d.) between 1 January 1984 and 31 December 1993 at the Department of Dermatology of Kitasato University. There was slight female predominance (36 male, 38 female), and 73% of the patients were older than 60 years; the mean age was 66.8 years. Fifteen patients had multiple (two-five) lesions. In 13 patients, other benign skin lesions were also found. Arsenic exposure as etiologic factor could have been present in 2 cases. Only 3 patients had other associated malignant tumors, which does not confirm the paraneoplastic nature of B.d. One-fifth of the lesions were on sun-exposed areas (head, neck and hands). Although we excluded invasive carcinomas from our statistical study, we mention the 8 invasive carcinomas developing from B.d. in that period. Histopathological classification of B.d. is uncommon. Classifying our cases by Darier's histopathological classification, 63.3% of them belonged to the lenticular type. The malignant potential of different histopathological types of B.d. needs further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Cardiac manifestations in primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine cardiac manifestations in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: Echocardiographic examination was undertaken in 64 patients (62 women, two men) with primary SS (54 definite (DSS) and 10 probable (PSS)) who had systemic symptoms. Twenty one healthy women volunteers of similar age acted as controls. RESULTS: Acute exudative pericarditis occurred in only one patient. An echogenic pericardium was demonstrated in 21 patients (19 DSS, two PSS) (33%) who had a previous symptom free pericarditis, but in none of the controls. Pulmonary pressure was significantly greater in the patients than in the controls (31 (SD 8) mm Hg compared with 24 (7) mm Hg), but there was no significant difference between the DSS and PSS groups. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function was similar in patients and controls. Twenty two patients (20 DSS, two PSS) and one control subject were excluded from LV diastolic function evaluation because of conditions likely to influence the parameters. Of the remaining 42 patients with SS (34 DSS, eight PSS), 21 (17 DSS, four PSS) had impaired diastolic function, confirmed by several diastolic parameters. LV diastolic dysfunction and echogenic pericardium occurred independently of each other, and there was no correlation between the occurrence of these silent cardiac abnormalities and the clinical and laboratory findings. CONCLUSIONS: Obvious cardiac involvement is rare in primary SS, but clinically silent manifestations (symptom free pericarditis and LV diastolic dysfunction) are common. The clinical and prognostic significance of these changes cannot yet be defined.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Electrophysiological effects of dridocainide on isolated canine, guinea-pig and human cardiac tissues.

The cellular electrophysiological effects of dridocainide (EGIS-3966), a novel class I antiarrhythmic agent, was studied using conventional microelectrode techniques in canine cardiac Purkinje fibres and papillary muscle preparations obtained from humans and guinea-pigs. In each preparation, dridocainide (0.6-2 mumol/l) decreased the maximum velocity of action potential upstroke (Vmax) in a frequency-dependent manner, although marked differences were observed in its effects in Purkinje fibre and ventricular muscle preparations. In canine Purkinje fibres, action potential duration measured at 50% and 90% of repolarization was decreased, while action potential duration measured at 10% of repolarization was increased by dridocainide. In addition, the plateau of the action potential was depressed by the drug. These changes in action potential configuration were not observed in guinea pig or human papillary muscles. The offset kinetics of the dridocainide-induced Vmax block were different in Purkinje fibres and in ventricular muscle: the slow time constant of recovery of Vmax was estimated to be 2.5 s in dog Purkinje fibre and 5-6 s in human and guinea-pig papillary muscle. In guinea-pig papillary muscle, the rate of onset of the Vmax block was 0.15 and 0.2 per action potential in the presence of 0.6 and 2 mumol/l dridocainide, respectively. Dridocainide also decreased the force of contraction in this preparation. On the basis of the present results, dridocainide appears to possess mixed class I.C and I.A properties, with I.C predominance in human and guinea-pig ventricular muscle. Present results also indicate that results of conventional classification of class I drugs may depend on the parameters chosen, as well as on the preparation selected.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1995

Effects of CGRP on active avoidance behavior in rats.

The effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the extinction of active avoidance behaviour was examined in rats. Three doses (250 ng, 500 ng and 1 microgram) of the peptide were administered into the lateral brain ventricle (i.c.v.). CGRP delayed the extinction of an active avoidance response in a dose-dependent manner. To reveal any role of the transmitter systems in the action of exogenously administered CGRP, the animals were pretreated with different receptor blockers. CGRP induced a delay in the extinction of an active avoidance response, which could be prevented by haloperidol, propranolol, methysergide and naloxone. Phenoxybenamine, atropine and bicuculline were ineffective. The data suggest that dopaminergic, beta adrenergic, serotonergic and opiate transmission are involved in the CGRP-induced behavioral alterations.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Role of endogenous CRF in the mediation of neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to calcitonin gene-related peptide in rats.

In the present study, the possible role of cortocotropin-releasing hormone (CRF) in the action of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the pituitary-adrenal axis and open-field activity of rats was tested. CGRP administered into the lateral brain ventricle led to a dose-dependent increase in plasma corticosterone level, which could be blocked by pretreatment with CRF antiserum. CGRP injected into the lateral brain ventricle increased the grooming and rearing activity and decreased the locomotor activity in an open field. On pretreatment with CRF antiserum, the action of CGRP on grooming was blocked, while the action on locomotion and rearing activity was unchanged. The results suggest that the CGRP-induced action on pituitary-adrenal activation is mediated by CRF. The action of CGRP on grooming in an open field is related to the pituitary-adrenal activation, and either CRF or adrenocorticotropic hormone or both may be involved in mediating the action of CGRP. The action of CGRP on rearing and locomotion is not affected by CRF antiserum, indicating that the two behavioral actions are regulated by different mechanisms.

Animals↗