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Biomedical subjects

D Weiss

Publications and source records attributed to D Weiss.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Cyproheptadine treatment in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.

BACKGROUND: Cyproheptadine, an antiserotonergic agent, was used to treat neuroleptic-induced akathisia. METHOD: In an open clinical trial 17 neuroleptic-treated patients with akathisia were administered cyproheptadine (16 mg/day) over 4 days. Assessment of akathisia, psychosis and depression were monitored by BAS, BPRS and HAM-D. RESULTS: All subjects showed improvement in the severity of akathisia, which in the majority (15/17) was of a marked degree. There was no aggravation of psychosis or depression. Symptoms of akathisia returned when cyproheptadine was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: Cyproheptadine may be useful in neuroleptic-induced akathisia.

Akathisia, Drug-Induced↗

Co-suppression of the petunia homeotic gene fbp2 affects the identity of the generative meristem.

The function of the petunia MADS box gene fbp2 in the control of floral development has been investigated. Inhibition of fbp2 expression in transgenic plants by a co-suppression approach resulted in the development of highly aberrant flowers with modified whorl two, three and four organs. This mutant flower phenotype inherited as a single Mendelian trait. The flowers possess a green corolla which is reduced in size. Furthermore, the stamens are replaced by green petaloid structures and the inner gynoecial whorl is dramatically reduced. No ovules or placenta are formed and instead two new inflorescences developed in the axils of the carpels. These homeotic transformations are accompanied by a complete down-regulation of the petunia MADS box gene fbp6 which is highly homologous to the Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum genes agamous (ag) and plena (ple). In contrast to this, two other petunia MADS box genes, exclusively expressed in whorls two and three, are still transcribed. Our results indicate that the fbp2 gene belongs to a new class of morphogenesis genes involved in the determination of the central part of the generative meristem.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

["Needlestick" accidents--procedures following potentially infectious exposure in medical personnel].

Accidental exposure to blood carries with it a definite risk for the health care worker of infection by various bloodborne pathogens, especially the hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus. The risk of transmission from exposure to HIV is lower than that associated with exposure to HBV and HCV. Should HIV infection occur, however, the outcome is likely to be fatal. Although general infection control precautions, safer use of needles, gloves, and other procedures may substantially reduce the incidence of occupational exposures, they cannot eliminate the risk completely. The post-exposure management is discussed. Neither the efficacy nor the safety of AZT (zidovudine) for use as a chemoprophylactic agent following occupational exposures to HIV has been established. Nevertheless in selected cases it can be proposed to health care workers.

HIV Infections↗

[Travelers' diarrhea 1992].

Traveller's diarrhea is a common problem without consequences for a healthy patient. Correct information, especially about hygiene habits during the trip, is most important. The prescription of an anti-diarrheal medication is usually justified but should not be given without proper information about the possible dangers. A prophylactic antibiotherapy is very seldom necessary. Antibiotic self-medication can be a pragmatic alternative. Patients at risk must be identified before the trip, and appropriate measures are essential. Once the patient is back home again diarrhea will subside spontaneously and both patient and physician should therefore know to be patient.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

The petunia homologue of the Antirrhinum majus candi and Zea mays A2 flavonoid genes; homology to flavanone 3-hydroxylase and ethylene-forming enzyme.

The synthesis of anthocyanins in higher plants involves many enzymatic steps. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a cDNA, ant17, which encodes a protein that has 73% amino acid sequence identity with the candi gene product of Antirrhinum majus and 48% with that of the maize a2 gene. This protein may therefore be involved in the synthesis of anthocyanins in the steps after the action of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase. This is consistent with the absence of ant17 expression in the regulatory anthocyanin mutants of petunia an1, an2 and an11. Furthermore, ant17 is predominantly expressed in corollas and anthers and is induced by gibberellic acid.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Practical and effective eradication of pinworms (Syphacia muris) in rats by use of fenbendazole.

Oxyurid parasites are common contaminants of laboratory rodents, and despite many described treatments, no method has assumed preeminence. Limitations in drug efficacy and the general inability to control for exposure to infective eggs are the primary contributors to treatment failure. In addition, some effective drugs must be eliminated from consideration because of narrow safety margins, other toxic aspects, or concerns related to particular uses of the experimental animals. As an alternative to currently described treatments or surgical derivation, we conducted an efficacy study against Syphacia muris in rats with a new fenbendazole-based protocol. Fenbendazole is a highly efficacious broad-spectrum anthelmintic with adulticidal, larvicidal, and ovicidal actions. Its pharmacokinetic behavior, ovicidal activity, and exceptionally wide safety margin in rats and mice make it an attractive choice for pinworm treatment. We used a 150-ppm medicated feed formulation to reach a targeted dose of 8.0 to 12.0 mg/kg/day in three separate studies designed to assess drug intake and efficacy under different housing conditions and in breeding and nonbreeding populations of ACI rats. In all cases, drug was given on alternating weeks, and nonbreeding populations were medicated for a cumulative period of 14 days. The same schedule was used for breeding populations, but the treatment was repeated after a 2-week rest period to ensure sufficient exposure for newly weaned animals. The results of our study indicate that our described treatment, in combination with environmental control measures against pinworm eggs, is capable of eliminating S. muris.

Animals↗

[Systemic Nocardia infection in an AIDS patient].

We report the case of a patient with Aids, Kaposi's sarcoma and a systemic nocardial infection. After surgical drainage and adequate antibiotic treatment the infection was cured. Under secondary antimicrobial prophylaxis no relapse has occurred to date. Generalized N. asteroides infections have been rarely described in patients with Aids and the possible reasons for this are discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗