Langhans' giant cells in the gills of an Atlantic salmon.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
B Nowak
Publications and source records attributed to B Nowak.
Soluble T cell receptors modulate cytokine production and oxygen metabolism by peritoneal macrophages.
Preincubation of peritoneal macrophages and their subsequent culture with recombinant soluble T cell receptor (sTCR) results in significant increase of: TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 production and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and this phenomenon was dose dependent. Moreover, treatment of macrophages with sTCR showed two to three fold increase of luminol dependent chemiluminescence (LCL) when compared to untreated macrophages (Mf). In contrast, in our study we did not find any influence of sTCR on co-stimulatory (B7.1 and B7.2), adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) or FcRII/III expression by macrophages. However, macrophages treated with control supernatants received after phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) treatment of BW1100 cells or thymocytes termed s-BW or s-Th did not influence their biological activity.
Animals↗
[AV-block indication: VDD versus DDD].
Single-lead VDD- and dual lead DDD-systems provide a physiologic AV-synchronous stimulation in patients with high degree AV-block. VDD-systems have the advantage to shorten implantation times by up to 40% and fluoroscopy time is reduced by up to 55%. Additionally there is a non-significant trend towards fewer perioperative complications, as compared to DDD-implantation. Ventricular lead function is similar in both systems. Comparable results for VDD- and DDD-systems have been shown for the reliability of P-wave sensing with mean values of 99% and above. Thereby nearly complete AV-synchronous stimulation is achievable with both systems. VDD-systems allow no atrial stimulation, which becomes only important if sinus node disease develops. This occurs in approximately one to two percent of patients with high degree AV-block during follow-up. The sinus rate at rest allows an assessment of sinus node function prior to implantation. Another advantage of VDD-systems is their potential to reduce costs. VDD- and DDD-systems provide a similar effective and reliable AV-synchronous stimulation in patients with high degree AV-block. Easier implantation and reduced costs result in an advantage for single-lead VDD-systems.
Electrocardiography↗
[Resistance activities of the association of pharmacists in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp].
The activity of the Resistance was mainly focused on helping prisoners in the concentration camp. The underground organizations of independence existed due to the local population. That help was very effective-it rescued many people against starving and rebuilt the faith in the human. It was not only food but medicines, dressings, vaccines serums. The huge part in that help took pharmacists working in local countries and cities. This publication is strictly connected with these brave people.
Altruism↗
Taking advantage of sophisticated pacemaker diagnostics.
The ever-increasing complexity of pacing systems, combined with functions that vary from one manufacturer to another, can pose challenges during analysis of device function. Standard pacemaker diagnostics are measured data, electrogram telemetry, maker annotations and event counters, albeit with their current limitations. New diagnostic features discussed include time-based diagnostics, histograms of sensed amplitudes, pacing thresholds, or impedance trending. Mode-switching algorithms, combined with diagnostic features, facilitate the use of dual-chamber devices in patients with paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias. The introduction of electrogram storage into pacemakers further improves diagnostic capabilities and allows a permanent validation and optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. External diagnostic devices, which provide Holter recordings with continuous marker annotations and patient-triggered diagnostics, are additional features that will become increasingly important.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗
Clinical application of a new rheolytic thrombectomy catheter system for massive pulmonary embolism.
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Adult↗
[Intraoperative flow measurement of coronary bypass grafts using the ultrasound transit time flowmeter].
The aim of the study was to compare the mean and maximum flow and the flow pattern of coronary vein grafts (SVG) supplying target vessels of the inferior and lateral wall with internal mammary (IMA) grafts to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In 21 patients 25 bypass grafts (13/25 SVG, 12/25 IMA) were investigated. Using the transit time ultrasound method, flow was measured every 5 ms and the flow data of 60 s were acquired. The flow pattern showed significant differences between both graft types during their cycle. IMA grafts showed only one peak occurring after 22.1+/-12.3% and the second after 63.4+/-15.5% of their cycle. The mean flow was not different in both graft types (IMA: 45.3+/-27.0 ml/min and SVG: 41.8+/-26.7 ml/min, p = n. s.) as it was the case for the maximum flow (IMS: 98. 4+/-45.2 ml/min and SVG: 75.7+/-55.4 ml/min, p = n. s.). In conclusion, there is a different flow pattern for both graft types concerning the number and the occurrence of flow-peaks in the bypass cycle. The mean and peak flow showed no significant difference.
Adult↗
Cardiac pacing in premature infants and neonates: steroid eluting leads and automatic output adaptation.
BACKGROUND: Appropriate generator and lead selection as well as techniques of implantation are most important aspects of cardiac pacing in the extremely young patient. Here we report the clinical results using a new technique with automatic output adaptation based on evoked response in combination with steroid-eluting epicardial leads in small children. METHODS: One neonate and 2 premature infants underwent permanent pacemaker implantation because of congenital high-degree atrioventricular block or postoperative complete heart block, respectively. Steroid-eluting epicardial leads and a multiprogrammable pacemaker with automatic output adaptation were used. RESULTS: Intermuscular abdominal generator placement and epicardial suture-fixation of the bipolar lead through a subcostal approach was without complications. Serial follow-up examinations revealed safe and consistent pacemaker function up to 12 months after operation. CONCLUSIONS: The technique represents an excellent alternative for permanent cardiac pacing in extremely small patients. We believe that it provides an increase in functional lifetime of the devices and delays the need for battery replacement with its associated complications in this young patient population.
Algorithms↗
Low-energy epicardial pacing in children: the benefit of autocapture.
BACKGROUND: Permanent cardiac pacing in children results commonly in augmented energy consumption because of the high pacing rates and the ample stimulation safety margin applied in children. Cardiovascular anatomy and limited venous access sometimes preclude the otherwise preferred endocardial approach. In this multicenter patient series, we studied the feasibility, safety, and energy saving obtained by a combination of steroid-eluting epicardial leads with autocapture devices capable of ongoing adjustment of the stimulation output to the prevailing threshold. METHODS: Autocapture devices (Pacesetter Microny SR+/- and Regency SR+/-; Pacesetter, Solna, Sweden) and steroid-eluting epicardial pacing leads (Medtronic CapSure Epi 10366; Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN) were implanted in 14 children. Thresholds, telemetry data, evoked response, and polarization signals were obtained at discharge and follow-up, and battery service life was calculated. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 6.5 months, autocapture pacing was applied in 12 of 14 children. The automatically adjusted pulse amplitude of autocapture devices demonstrated low-energy pacing with no significant changes between discharge and 6 months follow-up (1.1 +/- 0.3 versus 0.9 +/- 0.3 V). Autocapture-programmed pacemakers had calculated life spans of 7.8 +/- 1.4 years (Microny) and 21.0 +/- 1.6 years (Regency). No adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Autocapture-controlled pacing with bipolar epicardial pacing leads is feasible and safe in children. Autocapture programming results in substantial energy savings and extends battery life markedly.
Child↗
27Al and 65Cu NMR study in UCu5Al.
We have studied the microscopic properties of the tetragonal UCu5Al Kondo compound by 27Al and 63,65Cu NMR in the paramagnetic state. NMR and susceptibility measurements performed on the powdered sample, but oriented along the applied field, showed chi(parallel) > chi(perpendicular). Plots of K(parallel)(T) against chi(parallel)(T) at temperatures T > or = 100 K yield the transferred hyperfine fields of +5.9 kOe/micron(B) for 27Al nuclei, and +5.3 and -7.0 kOe/micron(B) for 65Cu nuclei in crystallographically inequivalent Cu(2) and Cu(1) sites, respectively. The Knight shift vs. susceptibility plots for T < 100 K exhibit a deviation from the linear behaviour (absolute values of shifts become smaller than expected). We attribute this finding to the crystalline electric field effect in similar way as it was reported for several Ce-based compounds. The random distribution of the Al and Cu(2) atoms in the crystal lattice we consider as a reason of an unusual broadening of the NMR spectra, particularly at low temperatures.
Aluminum↗
Accumulation of metals in the teeth of inhabitants of two towns in the south of Poland.
Metals and Ca, Na and K were examined in human teeth taken from inhabitants of two towns Sosnowiec and Katowice in the south of Poland (n = 170 samples) during 1993/1994. They are located in Upper Silesia, a heavily industrialised and urbanised region of Poland. The concentrations of Pb, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn and Cr were determined by AAS, and Na, Ca and K by flame photometer. Variations in the Pb/Fe, Pb/Mn, Pb/Ca and Cd/Ca ratios of elements in human teeth were examined. Influence of age, sex type of teeth on concentrations of elements for inhabitants from the two different towns (Katowice and Sosnowiec) and on levels of ratios of the elements were analysed using one-way ANOVA. Cluster Analysis was used to investigate relationships among metals. The smallest duster distances were obtained for: Ca-Fe, Mn-Cd and Na-Co, which indicated the strongest relation between elements in teeth for the investigated population living in a heavily industrialised and urbanised region.
Adolescent↗
Regulation of murine dendritic cell functions in vitro by taurine chloramine, a major product of the neutrophil myeloperoxidase-halide system.
Taurine chloramine (TauCl) is a major chloramine generated in activated neutrophils as a result of the reaction of highly toxic hypochlorous acid and taurine, the most abundant free amino acid in cytosol. In this study we have tested the influence of TauCl on the properties of murine dendritic cells (DC), the major cell population involved in the initiation of an adaptive immune response against pathogenic organisms. N418+, MHC II+, B7-2+ dendritic cells, generated from the mouse bone marrow cells cultured in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, were stimulated by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide to produce nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-12, in the presence of different doses of TauCl. TauCl differently inhibited the generation of these inflammatory mediators in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, TauCl selectively modulated the ability of DC to induce the release IL-2 and IL-10 from T cells. These results suggest that neutrophil-derived mediators, such as TauCl, at a site of inflammation, may affect the functions of sentinel DC and macrophages, and play a role in maintaining the balance between the inflammatory response and the induction of an antigen-specific immune response.
Animals↗
[Various dynamics of Tc-99m-tetrofosmin and Tc-99m-MIBI in a parathyroid adenoma].
Case report of a patient with hypercalcemia and suspected parathyroid adenoma. Because of a previous strumectomy a precise preoperative localization of the suspected parathyroid adenoma was demanded. Tc-99m-tetrofosmin scintigraphy in double phase technique failed to detect a parathyroid adenoma by failing to show a region of increased focal uptake with delayed washout in relation to the thyroid gland. Only comparison of the Tc-99m-tetrofosmin images with a Tc-99m-pertechnetate scan revealed a right caudal parathyroid adenoma. A double phase Tc-99m-MIBI study of the same patient was able to localize this parathyroid adenoma without the need of a corresponding Tc-99m-pertechnetate scintigraphy due to a differential washout with persistent focal uptake in the parathyroid adenoma and a progressively decreasing uptake in the thyroid tissue. This case indicates that Tc-99m-tetrofosmin is a suitable agent for parathyroid imaging only if used together with Tc-99m-pertechnetate but it seems to lack the differential washout characteritics of Tc-99m-MIBI according parathyroid gland and thyroid gland.
Adenoma↗
[Quantification of repositioning errors in PET studies through superimposition of emission and transmission scans. Comparison between acquisition with and without repositioning].
AIM: The purpose of this study was to quantify positioning discrepancies between emission (E) and transmission (T) scan using image fusion. A direct comparison of one-step and two-step acquisitions was performed where all studies were analyzed in respect to artifacts caused by inaccurate positioning. In addition, phantom measurements were conducted to estimate the consequences of repositioning errors on standardized uptake value calculations (SUV). METHODS: 40 patients were examined by two-step whole-body scans using PET and 15 patients were subject to one-step examinations in the head/neck area. Repositioning between the scans was achieved by a laser matrix positioning system in combination with external body markings. After reconstruction and image fusion of the scans, the positioning discrepancies were measured as the distances between the outer boundaries of E and T in four different body regions. Additional evaluations of the SUV by increasing E-T dislocation were performed using a Jaszczak phantom containing hollow spheres. RESULTS: For the two-step acquisitions, the mean spatial deviations along the three orthogonal axes x, y, and z were between 8.9 mm and 13.8 mm, whereas for the one-step examinations mean values between 3.5 mm and 4.3 mm were determined (level of significance in each direction p < 0.0001). Artifacts were found in 47.5% of the whole body scans, but in none of the head/neck studies. The development of image artifacts was simulated by phantom studies. In contrast, the deviations of the computed SUV caused by increasing positioning discrepancies were minimal because of the minimal differences between the attenuation coefficients of the media involved. CONCLUSION: The presented data show that an artifactfree reconstruction of attenuation-corrected studies requires a precise positioning of the patient. One-step examination protocols without repositioning are advantageous due to the significantly lower positioning discrepancies. The additional reconstruction of nonattenuation-corrected studies has proven to be useful in discovering image artifacts and is therefore recommended.
Artifacts↗
Diagnostic evaluation of malignant head and neck cancer by F-18-FDG PET compared to CT/MRI.
AIM: Evaluation of F-18-FDG PET in comparison to CT/MRI as diagnostic tool in primary and recurrent head and neck cancer. METHODS: 78 F-18-FDG PET studies were performed in 71 patients with known or suspected primary (n = 48) or recurrent (n = 30) head and neck cancer and compared to CT (n = 75) or MRI investigations (n = 3) concerning detection of the primary or recurrent tumor and detection of regional lymph node metastases in the ipsilateral and contralateral neck sides. Glucose uptake (SUV) of PET findings was correlated to tumor location, grading and dignity of the lesion. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity for PET in detection of primary tumors were 87%* and 67%, respectively (CT/MRI 67%* and 44%) (*p < 0.05), in detection of local recurrence 86% and 75%, respectively (CT/MRI 57% and 92%), in detection of necks affected by lymph node metastases 80% and 92%, respectively (CT/MRI 80% and 84%). Laryngeal, buccal (cheek) and salivary gland tumors had significant lower glucose uptake (SUV) when compared to tumors of the hypopharynx (p < 0.05). G1-tumors (mean SUV 4.26) had significant (p < 0.05) lower glucose uptake when compared to G2- and G3-tumors (mean SUV 7.73 and 8.19, respectively). Mean SUV of malignant PET findings (7.88) was significant (p < 0.05) higher than mean SUV of benign PET findings (5.70). However, a SUV threshold to improve diagnostic accuracy could not be defined. CONCLUSIONS: F-18-FDG PET is significantly more accurate than CT/MRI for detection of head and neck cancer. Both methods are valuable for detection of cervical lymph node metastases. Glucose uptake shows correlation to histological grading. A quantitative SUV analysis does not improve diagnostic accuracy.
Female↗
Images in cardiovascular medicine. Ectasia and aneurysm of the right coronary artery resulting from a shunt to the coronary sinus.
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Aged↗
Comparison of antiplatelet effects of aspirin, ticlopidine, or their combination after stent implantation.
BACKGROUND: This study was performed to analyze the influence of either aspirin, ticlopidine, or their combination on platelet activation and aggregation parameters after stent implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with successful implantation of a single Palmaz-Schatz stent in a native coronary artery were randomly assigned to either group A (aspirin 300 mg/d+ticlopidine 2X250 mg/d), group B (ticlopidine 2X250 mg/d), or group C (aspirin 300 mg/d). Platelet activation was evaluated on days 1, 7, and 14 by flow cytometry measurement of expression of CD62p (p-selectin) and the binding of fibrinogen to the platelet surface glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor. Platelet aggregation was induced by addition of ADP or collagen. Differences between treatment groups were compared by ANOVA. Between days 1 and 14, we observed a significant decrease in collagen-induced platelet aggregation in group A (62.2+/-2.5% versus 36.9+/-3.1%), whereas an increase was seen in group B (58.3+/-2.5% versus 67.7+/-3.2%) and no change was seen in group C (P<.0001). The ADP-induced aggregation declined significantly in group A (74.7+/-1.4% versus 55.3+/-2.6%), whereas a delayed reduction was seen in group B (72.0+/-3.0% versus 52.6+/-4.2%) and no change was seen in group C (P=.0017). The CD62p expression declined significantly in groups A (68.2+/-2.7% versus 41.3+/-2.7%) and B (64.8+/-2.9% versus 39.3+/-3.5%) but not in group C (P<.0001). Moreover, the fibrinogen binding decreased significantly in group A (61.0+/-4.3% versus 36.3+/-4.2%) and with delay in group B (58.3+/-2.2% versus 39.4+/-3.0%), whereas no alterations were seen in group C (P=.012). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate synergistic and accelerated platelet inhibitory effects of ticlopidine plus aspirin in patients after stent implantation compared with a monotherapy with either ticlopidine or aspirin alone.
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
Contents and relationship of elements in human hair for a non-industrialised population in Poland.
The concentrations of 11 elements: Pb, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Na, K and Ca in hair were determined by AAS. Hair samples (n = 266) were collected between 1990 and 1994 from inhabitants of the Silesian Beskid in the south of Poland (non-industrialised region). The effects of age (1-30 years old, 31-80 years old), sex (male, female) and colour of hair on the heavy metal levels were determined. Using statistical methods of cluster analysis, multiple regression analysis and factor analysis we obtained information concerning relations among metals in the hair. The strongest relations between metals in the hair are as follows: Fe-Mn, Cr-K and Cd-Pb in the first cluster and Zn-Ni in the second cluster. For our population (n = 266, non-industrialised region in Poland) we obtained a factor loading > 0.7. Factor 1 was contributed by Na and K; Factor 2 by Pb, Cd, Mn and Fe; Factor 3 by Ca (a negative correlation); Factor 4 by Ni; Factor 5 by Cu; Factor 6 by Co, Cd and K; and Factor 7 by Cr, Pb, Mn, Fe and K. These seven factors explain 77.7% variance. We obtained linear multiple dependence (P < 0.05) as follows: Mn = f (Cd, Fe, Ca); Na = f (Zn, K, -Ca); K = f (-Zn, Cr, Na); Pb = f (Cd, Zn, Cr, Fe); Zn = f (Ni, Na, -Cr, -K); Fe = f (Pb, Mn); Cr = f (Pb, K, -Zn); Co = f (Cd, Cr); and Ca = f (Mn, -Zn, -Na). These relations can be useful to explain relationships among the metals in man.
Adolescent↗