Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B Klein

Publications and source records attributed to B Klein.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Granulocytic sarcoma of the kidney in a patient with acute myelomonocytic leukaemia. A case report.

A 26-year-old man with acute myelomonocytic leukaemia had been in remission for 16 months when he developed a painful swelling of the right testis. Intravenous pyelography showed a non-functioning right kidney. Surgical exploration revealed a granulocytic sarcoma of the right kidney and a right nephrectomy was performed. The patient refused further treatment and relapsed 3 months after the nephrectomy. Autopsy revealed a large greyish-white tumour mass occupying the pelvis and retroperitoneal tissue. Special techniques with immunoperoxidase and naphthol-ASD chloro-acetate esterase staining confirmed the histological diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma. The literature is reviewed and the rarity of this case is discussed.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1986

Involvement of the central nervous system by ovarian carcinoma.

Ovarian carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the central nervous system (CNS). Of 110 patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma treated at the Northern Israel Oncology Center between the years 1979 and 1985, only five (4.5%) had CNS involvement. The median age of the patients with 54.5 years. All of them had treatment with cisplatin and Adriamycin (doxorubicin). The median duration from diagnosis to the development of brain involvement was 17 months. The median survival time was 28 months from diagnosis of carcinoma and 2 months from diagnosis of CNS disease. The increased incidence of this kind of metastasis in patients achieving local control of their advanced disease suggests that a change in the pattern of metastatic spread or the prolonged survival permits occult CNS metastases to become apparent. A routine computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan of the brain should therefore be performed on patients with ovarian carcinoma with prolonged survival.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1986

[Tryptophan metabolism in liver diseases: a pharmacokinetic and enzymatic study].

Tryptophan is considered to be one of the agents involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy. In our study, we evaluated tryptophan metabolism in liver disease. A bolus of 1.5 g of L-tryptophan was administered intravenously to 14 patients with noncirrhotic liver disease, 40 patients with liver cirrhosis, and 8 healthy volunteers. As pharmacokinetic parameters, the half life, clearance, and volume of distribution of free and total tryptophan were determined using a biexponential formula. In addition, the activity of liver tryptophan pyrrolase, the key enzyme of tryptophan metabolism, was measured in liver biopsy specimens of 15 patients with noncirrhotic liver disease, 8 patients with cirrhosis of the liver, and 4 patients with histologically normal livers. Healthy subjects and patients with noncirrhotic liver disease both showed similar results in measured and calculated data. In contrast, patients with cirrhosis revealed significant alterations of the pharmacokinetic parameters of free and total tryptophan: the half-life was increased by 195% and 176%, the clearance was decreased by 73% and 34%, respectively, and the activity of tryptophan pyrrolase was decreased by 22%. The tryptophan transfer in cirrhosis amounted to only 0.75 +/- 0.03 g per 24 h compared with 2.6 +/- 0.34 g per 24 h in healthy individuals. The findings demonstrate that patients with cirrhosis show a marked reduction in their ability to metabolize tryptophan. This should be taken into account in the oral and parenteral nutrition of those patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Value of steroid hormone receptor analysis in predicting time to treatment failure in operable breast cancer.

An analysis of prognostic factors for predicting time to treatment failure (TTF) was performed on 246 patients who were referred for adjuvant chemotherapy after mastectomy. Oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PgR) analyses were carried out on 172 and 102 patients respectively. Prognostic factors predicting for TTF were, in decreasing order of significance: nodal status, tumour size, ER status and age of the patient. Comparison of TTF for ER+ and ER- (without categories of other prognostic factors) showed that ER status is prognostic irrespective of nodal status. ER is prognostically significant within both categories of PgR. PgR predicted significantly for TTF only in patients without nodal involvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Early events in human B cell activation: metabolic pathways vary according to the first signal used.

The effects of the calcium channel blocking drug Verapamil and of palmitoyl-carnitine (PTC), an inhibitor of protein-kinase C activity, on human B cell activation were measured. Both Verapamil and PTC inhibited the B cell proliferation induced by costimulation with anti-mu antibody and with 3 different growth factors: interleukin 2, 20-kDa B cell growth factor and 50-kDa B cell growth factor. Both uridine and thymidine incorporation induced by costimulation with ionomycin and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were inhibited by Verapamil and PTC. In contrast, B cell proliferation was resistant to Verapamil (while being still inhibited by PTC) in two situations: when B cells were costimulated with PMA and growth factors and when B cells previously activated in vitro (by anti-mu antibody or PMA) were stimulated with growth factors. These results confirm that the late stage (G1----S transition) of B cell activation is independent of Ca2+ entry. More importantly, they show that the initial events induced by anti-mu antibody and by PMA are based on different biochemical pathways: PMA would act on a subpopulation of B cells which has already received an early signal of activation in vivo. This emphasizes the functional and biochemical heterogeneity of the G0 stage among circulating B cells.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1986

On the clinical value of thallium-201 washout analysis in the detection of multiple jeopardized myocardial regions.

In this study the relative importance of visual assessment and quantitative analysis myocardial stress perfusion scintigraphy in 72 patients with a 40% incidence of triple-vessel coronary disease was tested. The quantitative analysis of the uptake scintigram in combination with a washout rate study of thallium-201 was not superior to the visual analysis with regard to the overall detection of significant coronary disease (obstructions of at least 50%). The sensitivity of the quantitative analysis was 0.85 for the entire population and 0.90 for the triple-vessel disease group (specificity 0.90). Detection of jeopardized myocardial flow regions in patients with triple-vessel disease, however, resulted in a significantly better identification by quantitative analysis. Of the 87 jeopardized flow regions in the 29 patients with triple-vessel disease, 62 regions were detected by the quantitative analysis whereas 48 regions were noted by the visual evaluation. The post-test likelihood of this regional quantitative analysis with respect to the triple-vessel disease was 66%. The incidence of global ischemia as detected by washout abnormalities in cases with no or a maximum of one regional uptake defect was 7%.

Angina Pectoris↗
PubMed1986

Interdependency of local capillary density, blood flow, and metabolism in rat brains.

Previous investigations have established a strong correlation between local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) and local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU). In the present study the relationship between density of perfused brain capillaries and LCBF or LCGU was investigated in conscious and anesthetized rats. Perfused capillaries were stained by labeling the plasma with the gamma globulin-coupled fluorochromes, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and lissamine-rhodamine B 200 (RB 200). The density of perfused capillaries was determined in 12 different brain structures by fluorescence microscopy of embedded brain sections following coronal sectioning in a cryostat. Significant differences were found among brain structures investigated; the lowest density of perfused capillaries was found in the white matter (e.g., corpus callosum 162 fragments/mm2), whereas the highest values were determined in the structures of the auditory system (e.g., inferior colliculus 810 fragments/mm2). LCBF and LCGU were measured in two separate groups of rats using standard autoradiographic methods. In all three experimental groups, the same structures were identified and measured with a high degree of accuracy and local resolution. Density of perfused capillaries correlated well with LCBF (r = 0.93) and even better with LCGU (r = 0.97). In addition to the relationship between LCGU and LCBF established by earlier studies, these data show the intimate interrelationship between LCGU, density of perfused capillaries, and LCBF.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

[Possibilities and limits in the treatment of cystine calculus diathesis with high-dose ascorbic acid. Results of a combined study with 17 patients].

17 cystine stone patients were treated with high doses of ascorbic acid (5 g p. d.). During the observation period, a total of only two natural passages of cystine stones could be observed. For five patients the therapeutic strategy was altered because the recurrence rate did not change and the cystine concentration in the urine was enhanced. One mixed calcium-oxalate/cystine stone had to be resected. In this case as well as on the occasion of further medical check-ups of other patients, an increased risk of calcium-oxalate stone formation was signalled by an enhanced oxalic-acid concentration in the 24-hour urine. Changes in blood serum and impairment in hepatic and renal functions were not observed. With three patients, the therapy had to be interrupted because of gastritis symptoms. The use of high-dose ascorbic acid therapy is recommended and is continued. In special cases, an additive of low do ses of alpha-mercaptopropionyl-glycine is recommended.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Production of interleukin 2 in multiple myeloma.

The production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was studied in 15 normal controls (NC) and 29 patients with multiple myeloma (MM), including 19 patients with active disease (i.e. diagnosis, relapse) and 10 with inactive disease (i.e. complete remission and off-treatment plateau). IL-2 was produced after stimulation of PBMC with PHA alone or with PHA and PMA. The role of suppressor factors/cells on IL-2 production was evaluated using indomethacin and irradiation of PBMC. T cells and T cell subsets (i.e. helper/suppressor T cells) were defined using standard monoclonal antibodies (T3, T4, T8). The production of IL-2 in active MM was similar to that of NC, using either PHA or PHA and PMA. However, a constant defect of prostaglandin-mediated suppressor cells was observed in patients in plateau, with a significant increase of IL-2 production in comparison to that of NC or active MM. IL-2 is an essential factor involved in T cell proliferation. Recent data demonstrate that it plays a role in B cell proliferation and differentiation into antibody-secreting cells. Suppression of antibody synthesis is a major feature of active (but not inactive) MM. The fact that IL-2 production was not affected in MM, in spite of an imbalance of some T cell subsets, is of major interest.

Humans↗
PubMed1985

Grasping in the pigeon: mechanisms of motor control.

A quantitative analysis of grasping in the pigeon suggests important functional similarities between the visuomotor controls of the avian beak and the primate hand. Beak-opening (gape) during eating is directly proportional to target size and the adjustment is completed prior to contact. The control of gape size involves variations in both the velocity and duration of jaw opening and these parameters are mediated by different effector systems (jaw muscles, neck muscles). Nerve section experiments were used to identify jaw motoneurons which are components of the final common path for grasping. Grasping in the pigeon approximates the functional complexity of mammalian visuomotor behavior but is mediated by a relatively simple effector system.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Advanced ovarian carcinoma. Factors influencing survival.

One hundred ten patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma (Stages IIIA, IIIB, and IV) were evaluated for survival. They received as first treatment one of the following regimens: melphalan (L-PAM) (41 patients), cyclophosphamide plus methotrexate plus 5-fluorouracil (CMF) (16 patients), cyclophosphamide plus doxorubicin plus 5-fluorouracil (CAF) (17 patients), cyclophosphamide plus doxorubicin plus hexamethylmelamine plus cisplatin (CHAD) (13 patients, thiotepa plus methotrexate (TM) with fixed rotation with CAF (TM/CAF) (17 patients), and 6 patients received other chemotherapy as first treatment. There was no significant difference in survival time with the various treatment arms despite differences in response rates. Patients with Stage IIIA had significantly longer survival than those with Stages IIIB and IV (P less than 0.01). Patients with good performance status (PS 0) had significantly better survival than those with poor performance status (PS 3-4) (P less than 0.02). At this time the improved response rates on combination chemotherapy has not given improved survival rates, and disease stage and performance status remain of prime importance in survival prediction.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Cloning of the ARO cluster gene of Neurospora crassa and its expression in Escherichia coli.

We have constructed a phage, lambda Ncl, which comprises a 4.0 kb HindIII insert of Neurospora DNA into the immunity region of the vector lambda 598. lambda Ncl complements the aroD6 mutation of E. coli, permitting the formation of galaxy plaques on medium lacking aromatic supplements, and transforms an aro-9 qa-2 Neurospora mutant to prototrophy at a low frequency. Low levels of 5-dehydroquinate hydrolyase (E.C.4.2.1.10.), with properties unlike those of the catabolic isoenzyme that is coded by qa-2, are present in E. coli aroD6 cell lysates following infection with lambda Ncl. lambda Ncl does not hybridize with qa-2 DNA and it is concluded that it contains at least the aro-9 region of the pentafunctional aro cluster gene.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1985

The value of exercise tests in the follow-up of patients who underwent transluminal coronary angioplasty.

We describe the functional and anatomical follow-up of 25 patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in our hospital. In addition, the relative value of different non-invasive methods in predicting a restenosis in the late follow-up period is described. Before angioplasty all patients had subjective and objective signs of coronary artery disease, mainly due to proximal circumscript one-vessel disease. The anatomical evolution was studied by angiographic investigation before, early and late after angioplasty. At the same time intervals we determined the functional level as based on history, exercise electrocardiography, thallium-201 scintigraphy at rest and maximal exercise and technetium ejection fraction determination at rest and maximal exercise. Our data show that angioplasty is a good method of treatment for a selected group of patients with coronary artery disease. The mean stenosis of the dilated vessel decreased significantly from 83% before to 38% late after angioplasty (P less than 0.001). Furthermore the functional status of the patients improved as reflected by the decrease in anginal complaints (P less than 0.001), the increase in negative exercise electrocardiograms (0.01 less than P less than 0.02), exercise level (0.01 less than P less than 0.02) and ejection fraction difference between rest and maximal exercise (P less than 0.001) and the decrease in thallium ischemic defects (P less than 0.001). Comparison of the different non-invasive methods shows that the evolution of the ejection fraction difference between rest and exercise is the most reliable way to discover a possible restenosis in the late follow-up period.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

[Reactivation of gamma-ray irradiated parvovirus H-1 in cells of patients with ataxia telangiectasia and Huntington's chorea].

Parvovirus H-1 was used to probe the cellular radiosensitivity of two human degeneration syndromes AT and HC. No difference in the survival of gamma irradiated H-1 was detected between skin fibroblasts from such patients and from a normal individual. However, AT and normal cells were distinguished by the fact that the reactivation of irradiated H-1 could be increased by UV or X-irradiation of the latter but not of the former cells.

Animals↗