Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Conrad

Publications and source records attributed to C Conrad.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Intensive care unit stay is prolonged in chronic alcoholic men following tumor resection of the upper digestive tract.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic alcohol misuse in patients with oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal or esophageal carcinomas exceeds 60%. No data is available, to our knowledge, on the morbidity and mortality of chronic alcoholics in surgical intensive care units (ICU) following tumor resection. We investigated whether the subsequent ICU stay in chronic alcoholics following tumor resection was prolonged and whether the incidence of pneumonia and sepsis was increased. METHODS: 213 patients with carcinomas of the upper digestive tract were evaluated regarding their drinking habits. Chronic alcoholics met either the DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. Conventional laboratory markers and serum carbohydrate-deficient transferrin were determined preoperatively. Major intercurrent complications during ICU stay such as an alcohol withdrawal syndrome, pneumonia and sepsis as well as the frequency of death were documented. RESULTS: Patients did not differ significantly between groups regarding age or APACHE score on admission to the ICU.121 patients were diagnosed as being chronic alcoholics, 39 as being social drinkers and 61 as being non-alcoholics. In chronic alcoholics the frequency of death was significantly increased. Due to the increased incidence of pneumonia and sepsis the ICU stay was significantly prolonged in chronic alcoholics by approximately 8 days. CONCLUSIONS: The increased mortality and morbidity rate demonstrates that chronic alcoholics undergoing major tumor surgery have to be considered as high-risk patients during their postoperative ICU stay. Further studies are required with respect to the immuno-competence of chronic alcoholics and the prevention of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, pneumonia and sepsis in these patients.

APACHE↗
PubMed1995

Cigarette smoking and breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cigarette smoking in relation to the risk of breast cancer. DESIGN: Interviews with women referred for mammography. SETTING: Hjørring District Hospital, a public, population based hospital in Denmark. SUBJECTS: 3240 women aged 15-92 years referred for mammography during 1 June 1989 to 1 November 1991. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Smoking, parity, age, reason for referral, breast cancer. RESULTS: In a multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for six variables a pronounced increased risk of breast cancer was found in women who had smoked for over 20 years, and this was significant in women who had smoked for over 30 years (odds ratio 1.6, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.3). The median age of women with breast cancer was 59 (range 31-81) years for smokers and 67 (38-92) years for nonsmokers. The difference of eight years between the median ages was significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Smoking may increase the risk of breast cancer after 30 years of smoking.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Beta-carbolines in chronic alcoholics undergoing elective tumor resection.

The prevalence of chronic alcoholism in patients with carcinomas of the upper digestive tract exceeds 60%. The patient's history and laboratory markers, preoperatively, are often not sensitive or specific enough to detect alcohol-dependent patients, preoperatively, who are at risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) during their postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Previously, it was found that plasma norharman was elevated in chronic alcoholics, suggesting marker characteristics for chronic ethanol misuse and possibly alcohol dependence. We investigated whether beta-carbolines (i.e., harman and norharman) were different between chronic alcoholics and nonalcoholics with carcinoma, and how the levels change in alcohol-dependent patients during their hospital stay. Ninety-seven patients with oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, or esophageal carcinomas were evaluated regarding their drinking habits. Sixty patients were transferred to the ICU following tumor resection. Chronic alcoholics met the DSM-III-R and ICD-10 criteria for alcohol dependence or chronic alcohol abuse/harmful use. The daily ethanol intake in chronic alcoholics was > or = 60 g. Blood samples were collected on admission to the hospital, preoperatively, on admission to the ICU and on days 2, 4, and 7 in the ICU. Harman and norharman were determined by HPLC. Elevated norharman was found in chronic alcoholics on admission to the hospital, whereas harman did not differ between groups. On admission, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was significantly larger for carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and preoperatively for norharman. The preoperative norharman levels were significantly correlated with the period of mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay. Postoperatively, norharman decreased in all patients, except a group of 11 alcohol-dependent patients who developed AWS during their ICU stay. The finding that elevated norharman levels were found in chronic alcoholics on admission to the hospital and preoperatively supports the view of a specific marker for alcoholism. Preoperative norharman was superior to carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and was associated with a prolonged ICU stay and a prolonged period of mechanical ventilation. Further studies are required to determine whether norharman aids in the preoperative diagnosis of chronic alcohol misuse with respect to the prevention of postoperative complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Alveolar stem cell transduction by an adeno-associated viral vector.

In inherited disorders such as surfactant protein deficiencies or cystic fibrosis (CF), where lung damage develops progressively after birth, gene replacement is best accomplished in the neonatal period. We use the adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a vector for gene transfer in the newborn rabbit lung where stem cells are activated for lung growth and differentiation. AAV-mediated gene transfer as assayed by lacZ gene expression occurred preferentially in alveoli in the alveolar epithelial progenitor cell, the type II cell, and in the large airway tracheobronchial basal and ciliated cells. Cell proliferation was confirmed by 5-bromo-deoxyuridine (BRDU) labeling in regions undergoing alveolarization and airway branch points. Regions of cell proliferation coincided with areas of significant lacZ expression. Thus, dividing and differentiating cells can be targeted by AAVlacZ delivery to newborn lung.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Stable in vivo expression of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator with an adeno-associated virus vector.

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors expressing the normal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cDNA complement the cystic fibrosis (CF) defect in vitro. Unlike other DNA virus vectors, AAV is a stably integrating virus, which could make possible long-term in vivo complementation of the CF defect in the airway epithelium. We report AAV-CFTR gene transfer and expression after infection of primary CF nasal polyp cells and after in vivo delivery of AAV-CFTR vector to one lobe of the rabbit lung through a fiberoptic bronchoscope. In the rabbit, vector DNA could be detected in the infected lobe up to 6 months after administration. A 26-amino acid polypeptide sequence unique to the recombinant AAV-CFTR protein was used to generate both oligonucleotide probes and a polyclonal antibody which allowed the unambiguous identification of vector RNA and CFTR protein expression. With these reagents, CFTR RNA and protein were detected in the airway epithelium of the infected lobe for up to 6 months after vector administration. AAV vectors do, therefore, efficiently promote in vivo gene transfer to the airway epithelium which is stable over several months. These findings indicate that AAV-CFTR vectors could potentially be very useful for gene therapy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Cardiac effects of R 79595 and its isomers (R 80122 and R 80123) in an acute heart failure model. A new class of cardiotonic agents with highly selective phosphodiesterase III inhibitory properties.

R 79595 (N-cyclohexyl-N-methyl-2-[[[phenyl (1,2,3,5-tetrahydro-2 oxoimidazo [2,1-b]-quinazolin-7-yl) methylene] amin] oxy] acetamide) and its isomers represent a novel class of compounds with phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitory and cardiotonic (positive inotropic) actions. The cardiac effects of this class of compounds were investigated in the hexobarbital-depressed heart-lung preparation of the guinea-pig. After induction of heart failure (reduction of cardiac output to 25% of the initial value) cumulative addition of R 79595 or its isomers R 80122 (E-isomer) and R 80123 (Z-isomer) concentration-dependently reversed the cardiac depressant effects of hexobarbitone-Na. With regard to reconstitution of contractility and cardiac function R 80122 (E-isomer) was 10 fold more potent than R 79595 (1:1 mixture of the isomers) and nearly 100 fold more potent than R 80123 (Z-isomer). Furthermore, the cardiotonic action of the most potent isomer (R 80122) was compared to the effects of several positive inotropic reference compounds. The order of cardiotonic potency was as follows: (-)-adrenaline > R 80122 = adibendan > digitoxin > milrinone = enoximone > theophylline. Adibendan (EC50 value: 6.7 +/- 1.8 x 10.-8 mol/l), which showed cardiotonic effects in the same concentration range as R 80122 (EC50 value: 6.1 +/- 1.3 x 10(-8) mol/l), was significantly (p < 0.01) less effective than R 80122 with respect to the maximally induceable increase in cardiac output (CO). The cardiotonic effects of R 80122 could be observed in the low concentration range of 3 x 10(-8) to 1 x 10(-6) mol/l, whereas enoximone (EC50 value: 1.2 +/- 0.1 x 10(-5) mol/l) and milrinone (EC50 value: 8.9 +/- 3.5 x 10(-6) mol/l) elicited positive inotropic effects at 100 fold higher concentrations. Digitoxin was 10 fold less and theophylline was 300 fold less potent than R 80122 with regard to reconstitution of heart function. The cardiotonic effects of R 80122 were not accompanied by an increase in heart rate as found with milrinone, theophylline or (-)-adrenaline in this model. Furthermore, the PDE inhibitory effect of R 79595 and its E-isomer R 80122 were investigated in partially purified isoenzymes from guinea-pig ventricles. The IC50 values of R 79595 and R 80122 on PDE I-IV were compared to the IC50 values of adibendan, milrinone, enoximone and theophylline. The selectivity of an inhibitor for PDE III was evaluated by division of its IC50 values on PDE I, II and IV by the IC50 value on PDE III. R 80122 was the most potent and selective PDE III inhibitor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Immunizing against salmonella infections with live and inactivated vaccines].

A live attenuated auxotrophic S. typhimurium (S. tm.)-mutant was used by orally administration via drinking water several times during rearing, combined with 1- or 2-times parenteral injection of an autogenous S. enteritidis (S. e.)/S. tm.-oil emulsion vaccine. In a 8-month period, more than 500,000 birds were vaccinated. The vaccine was safe. Challenge test showed protection in the vaccinates and their offspring. The number of isolates in the farms detected by regular monitoring decreased. The protection of the live-culture mutant lasted about only 8 to 10 weeks. A. S. tm.-mutant more potent for chickens will be tested now. We consider vaccinations as one important factor in a salmonella control program, especially for commercial layers and broiler breeders.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Vaccination against infectious anemia of poultry (CAA)--results of field studies].

Infectious anemia of poultry is a disease of high economical significance. Connatal infection of chicks with the chicken anemia agent (CAA) via the embryonated egg causes anemia along with severe immunosuppression, thus rendering the chicken susceptible for secondary infections. In order to prevent infection of young chicks, it is necessary to induce immunity against CAA in parent flocks, with the aim to prevent connatal spread of the infection and provide maternal protection for baby chicks. In this publication, the efficacy and use of a live CAA vaccine is reported. From autumn 1986 until summer 1990, 3 experimental vaccine charges were applied in 85 broiler parent flocks with totally 3.1 million chickens. In addition, totally 293,000 broiler breeder and 171,000 layer breeder chicken were vaccinated in 1989/90. The vaccine was administered between the 13th and 19th week of life by drinking water without adverse effect to the birds. Chicken anemia symptoms were observed only at the begin of laying period in two parent flocks. These flocks had been vaccinated in the 17th and 19th week, respectively. The offsprings of all other vaccinated parent flocks remained free of chicken anemia. Day-old chicks derived from vaccinated parent flocks were protected against CAA challenge infection. It is emphasized, that vaccination should be performed within the 13th to 15th week of life, because according to our observations, this will lead to an immediate seroconversion.

Anemia↗
PubMed1990

[Computer-assisted assessment of psychologic performance in patients exposed to neurotoxic substances].

A clinico-experimental investigation was conducted to study subjects exposed to neurotoxic pollutants and contaminants by means of the Combitest 2 computer-aided psychometric method. To this end, sensopsychomotor, mnestic and intellectual performance as well as concentration power were evaluated. Single and multiple choice reaction tasks, termometer tracking and maximal tapping were found to be efficient screening methods. Pronounced relationships were seen to exist between psychometric test results and lead concentration levels in blood.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Development of NADPH diaphorase-positive pedunculopontine nucleus neurons.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD-PH) diaphorase histochemistry was used to localize cholinergic neurons in the pedunculopontine nucleus of neonatal and adult rats. Measurements of cell body areas revealed an average area around 200 microns2 at birth, followed by a significant increase to approximately 500 microns2 by 2 weeks of age. Thereafter, there was a decrease in cell area such that by 5 weeks of age the neurons had attained their adult size of around 300 microns2. The marked increase in cell size at the end of 2 weeks of age is discussed in relation to significant events in the development of locomotor and other rhythmic function control systems.

Aging↗
PubMed1988

Reliability of scintigraphic diagnosis of liver metastases.

Three experienced specialists in nuclear medicine independently read 52 liver scans for the presence or absence of metastases. The accuracy of the assessments was, for each of the observers and for the observers' agreed-upon assessments, determined against findings at laparotomy or autopsy. Overall accuracy, predictive values of a positive and negative test result, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.71-0.79, 0.80-0.90, 0.63-0.72, 0.63-0.77, and 0.77-0.91. The accuracy was not higher for the agreed-upon assessment than for each of the observers' assessments. The interobserver variation was calculated as overall agreement between pairs of observers and ranged from 0.85 to 0.94. After adjustment of overall agreement for chance agreement, kappa values from 0.70 to 0.88 were obtained. In the determination of intraobserver variation overall agreement rates and kappa values ranged from 0.90 to 0.94 and 0.84 to 0.88. The scintigraphic diagnosis of hepatic metastases is reliable but, to increase the reliability further, it should be examined whether observer error reflects error in the primary detection of findings in the scans or error in the overall interpretation.

Adult↗