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Biomedical subjects

E Berger

Publications and source records attributed to E Berger.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Psychiatric morbidity following implantation of the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

The automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) has found a place in the treatment of sustained ventricular tachycardia and in survivors of sudden arrhythmic death. However, little is known about the psychological impact of this device on patients and their families. In a group of 20 AICD recipients, examined between 3 and 21 months post-implantation, the prevalence of psychiatric disorder was 50%. Following implantation, six patients suffered from adjustment disorder; three suffered from major depression; and one developed panic disorder. Psychiatric morbidity in patients was associated with psychopathology in family members, peri-operative AICD shocks, and social support that was perceived to be inadequate.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1991

Pulp narrowing in renal end stage and transplanted patients.

A comparison of relative dental pulp size in chronic renal disease patients with dental pulp size in healthy controls revealed a significant pulp narrowing in the kidney disease group (n = 44). A strong correlation between the chronicity of the renal disease and the pulp narrowing was found in the premolar and molar teeth of the tested group. A review of the literature concerning pulp narrowing is also presented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Reliability of the urethral closure pressure profile during stress in the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence.

Urethral pressure profile (UPP) measurements were recorded during stress using the method of Brown and Wickham in 981 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. This procedure was used to identify patients with genuine stress incontinence (GSI). A clinical stress test in the supine and erect position served to confirm urinary leakage. GSI was diagnosed in 661 patients. (67%), whereas no incontinence was demonstrable in 320 (33%). UPP during stress has a high sensitivity (93.3%) and specificity (82.5%). Compared with other urodynamic investigations, the ease with which it can be performed at the same time as other urodynamic procedures makes a reliable diagnostic adjunct in the assessment of patients with GSI.

Cough↗
PubMed1991

Trends in thirty years of vaginal hysterectomy.

Vaginal hysterectomy, as currently performed at the University of Vienna, was first described by Halban in 1932. From 1955 to 1985, a total of 9,967 hysterectomies were performed. The vaginal route was used for 6,078 (60.9 per cent) of these procedures. Sixty-four per cent of the women operated upon were multiparous, 27 per cent were uniparous and 8 per cent were nulliparous. A comparison of the periods 1955 to 1975 and 1976 to 1985 revealed the following trends: the incidence of uterine myomas (30.6 to 27.1 per cent), in situ carcinoma of the cervix (6.5 to 7.9 per cent) and endometrial carcinoma (1.4 to 0.6 per cent) remained largely constant. In the past decade, indications for positional abnormalities (uterine descent and prolapse) were encountered more often (27.6 to 41.6 per cent) than in the first observation period, while the incidence of recurrent metrorrhagia was found to decline (33.9 to 22.8 per cent). The most common complications included hemorrhage during the operation, lesions of the bladder, hemorrhage until 48 hours after surgical treatment and hemorrhage from days 2 to 14 postoperatively (around 0.5 per cent, respectively). During the second observation period, no postoperative fistulas developed. Two instances of tubal prolapse were seen. Laparotomy was done in four of 6,078 instances. Two patients died of septic complications. Whenever possible, we prefer vaginal hysterectomy because of its low complication rate, low mortality rate and low postoperative morbidity.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

Sequencing and expression of a cellodextrinase (ced1) gene from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c cloned in Escherichia coli.

The nucleotide sequence of a 2.314 kb DNA segment containing a gene (ced1) expressing cellodextrinase activity from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c was determined. The B. fibrisolvens H17c gene was expressed from a weak internal promoter in Escherichia coli and a putative consensus promoter sequence was identified upstream of a ribosome binding site and a GTG start codon. The complete amino acid sequence (547 residues) was deduced and homology was demonstrated with the Clostridium thermocellum endoglucanase D (EGD), Pseudomonas fluorescens var. cellulosa endoglucanase (EG), and a cellulase from the avocado fruit (Persea americana). The ced1 gene product Ced1 showed cellodextrinase activity and rapidly hydrolysed short-chain cellodextrins to yield either cellobiose or cellobiose and glucose as end products. The Ced1 enzyme released cellobiose from p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-cellobioside and the enzyme was not inhibited by methylcellulose, an inhibitor of endoglucanase activity. Although the major activity of the Ced1 enzyme was that of a cellodextrinase it also showed limited activity against endoglucanase specific substrates [carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), lichenan, laminarin and xylan]. Analysis by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with incorporated CMC showed a major activity band with an apparent Mr of approximately 61,000. The calculated Mr of the ced1 gene product was 61,023.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Kinetic beta-deuterium isotope effects suggest a covalent mechanism for the protein folding enzyme peptidylprolyl cis/trans-isomerase.

The cis/trans interconversion of Glt-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-4-nitroanilide and Glt-Ala-Gly-Pro-Phe-4-nitroanilide was studied both enzymatically and nonenzymatically by measuring kinetic beta-deuterium isotope effects. The hydrogen atom at the alpha-carbon atom of the Xaa residue within the Xaa-Pro moiety was substituted by deuterium. In the nonenzymatic case the transition state of rotation is reflected by kH/kD greater than 1. When catalysed by 17 kDa PPIase the same bond rotation is characterized by kH/kD less than 1. This suggests a covalent mechanism of catalysis which involves an approximately tetravalent carbon of the prolyl imidic bond for the transition state of reaction.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗
PubMed1989

Cloning and sequencing of an endoglucanase (end1) gene from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c.

The nucleotide sequence of a 2.8 kb DNA segment containing an endoglucanase gene (end1) from Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens H17c was determined. The B. fibrisolvens H17c gene was expressed from its own regulatory region in Escherichia coli and three putative consensus promoter sequences were identified upstream of a ribosome binding site and an ATG start codon. The complete amino acid sequence (547 residues) was deduced and homology with the Clostridium thermocellum celE gene product (EGE) was demonstrated. The endoglucanase contained a typical amino-terminal signal sequence and five repeated sequences (PDPTPVD) between amino acids 412-447. The endoglucanase showed relatively high endoglucanase activity against endoglucanase-specific substrates with beta 1-4 linkages but low activity against xylan and an exoglucanase-specific substrate, p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-cellobioside.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Direct and sex-specific stimulation by sex steroids of creatine kinase activity and DNA synthesis in rat bone.

A direct in vitro effect of 17 beta-estradiol (E2) was demonstrated on bone and cartilage cell energy metabolism. Sex-specific stimulation by E2 and testosterone was shown in diaphyseal bone of weanling rats. E2 (30 nM) caused, within 24 hr, a 70-200% increase in creatine kinase (CK; ATP:creatine N-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.3.2) specific activity in ROS 17/2.8 rat osteogenic sarcoma cells, MC3T3-E1 mouse calvaria-derived cells, and rat fetal calvaria cells, and a 40% increase in rat epiphyseal cartilage cells. Stimulation of CK activity by E2 was dose and time dependent: in ROS 17/2.8 cells, a highly significant increase was found at 3 nM E2 and a greater than 100% increase in CK activity was found 1 hr after E2 administration. In female 20-day-old Wistar-derived rats, E2 (5 micrograms per rat) increased CK activity in diaphyseal bone by 82% within 1 hr of i.p. injection, with a maximal increase of 200% after 24 hr; neither the weakly estrogenic agonist 17 alpha-estradiol, testosterone, nor progesterone showed this effect. Conversely, in male rat diaphyseal bone, testosterone or dihydrotestosterone increased CK activity after 24 hr by approximately 100%, while E2 was ineffective. In epiphyseal cartilage, both E2 and testosterone increased CK activity. Stimulation of CK activity by sex hormones was paralleled by significant increases in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. Therefore, it is possible that direct sex-specific actions of gonadal steroids may contribute to stimulating bone growth and maintaining balanced bone turnover.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Contrast sensitivity norms for the Mentor B-VAT II-SG video acuity tester.

The Mentor B-VAT II-SG video acuity tester is a high-resolution video system designed to present many of the targets used in standard vision examinations (Snellen optotypes, clock charts, etc.). The SG model also presents sinusoidal gratings at various spatial frequencies and contrasts, making it possible to measure contrast sensitivity functions (CSF's). Using this system, we measured CSF's in a group of 69 young observers with well corrected vision. Contrast sensitivity scores were obtained at each of five spatial frequencies. A total of 5710 trials was presented. The mean contrast sensitivity scores of our group agree well with norms of other available CSF measurement systems, provided that the low spatial frequency truncation effects of each system are taken into account. A random subset of the group was retested 1 month later; no significant differences were found, demonstrating the reliability of the measurements. The data of this study should aid the clinician in identifying visual disorders. The data may be used to determine quantitative deviations from the norms or as a rapid screening test.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Calvaria derived osteogenic cells: phenotypic expression in culture.

The osteoblast phenotype is characterized by its ability to (a) synthesize a well defined mineralized collagenous matrix, (b) regulate the remodeling process by synthesizing local hormones (PGE2) and specific molecules (osteocalcin) and enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and collagenase), (c) respond to a variety of hormones (PTH, PGs, vitamin-D metabolites, steroids and growth factors), (d) respond to mechanical stimulation. Most of osteoblast culture systems meet many of the above qualifications though most fail to show the PTH effect on DNA synthesis, (c), and mechanical stimulation (d). Here we show that by using trypsin digestion and serum-containing low calcium medium (0.25 mM), all the above listed osteoblast phenotypic characteristics are demonstrated including their responsiveness to mechanical stimulation and the PTH effect on DNA synthesis.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1989

Shear-dependent inhibition of granulocyte adhesion to cultured endothelium by dextran sulfate.

Adhesion of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) in microvessels occurs in the presence of shear forces exerted by the blood flow. To model this in vitro, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-activated PMN were exposed to shear stress on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and on plastic dishes coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). PMN adhesion to HUVECs averaged 36% of the total PMNs added and was reduced to 21% by shear stress of approximately 1.5 dynes.cm-2. On BSA, adhesion was reduced from 59% to 35%. Dextran sulfate (molecular weight 500,000) inhibited PMN adhesion in a dose-dependent manner when shear stress was applied. At a concentration of 1 mg.ml-1, inhibition was 72% on HUVECs and 76% on BSA. Half-maximal inhibition was reached at approximately 1 microgram.mL-1 dextran sulfate, corresponding to 2 nmol/L. Without shear stress, dextran sulfate had no effect on HUVECs and only a moderate effect on BSA. The murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 60.3, recognizing an epitope on the leukocyte adhesion glycoprotein CD18, inhibited PMN adhesion equally well with and without shear. A low dose of MoAb 60.3 enhanced the effect of dextran sulfate without shear stress. Flow cytometry (FACS) did not show inhibition of MoAb 60.3 binding to PMNs by dextran sulfate. These results indicate that a dextran sulfate-inhibitable adhesion process is important for PMN adhesion in the presence of shear stress.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1988

Rat epiphyseal cells in culture: responsiveness to bone-seeking hormones.

Cell cultures derived from young rat epiphyseal cartilage were grown for approximately 2 wk in BGJb medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum to reach confluence. These cells were identified as chondrocytes as checked by morphology, the presence of alkaline phosphatase, and a positive type II collagen antibody reaction. The cells also responded to different hormonal treatment. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased cyclic AMP production by 50% within 15 min of treatment, whereas prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) caused an increase of 160%. Calcitonin (CT) did not affect cAMP production in these cells. DNA synthesis 24 h after hormonal treatment was increased by PTH (2.5-fold) and PGE2 (2-fold), but not by CT. Among the vitamin D metabolites, 24,25(OH)2D3 increased significantly the [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA, whereas 1,25(OH)2D3 effect was minimal. These results provide evidence for the use of these cell cultures as a model for cartilage in vitro when studying biological and hormonal responsiveness.

24,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3↗
PubMed1988

Tubal occlusion as a result of retained ectopic pregnancy: a case report.

During a laparoscopic examination for infertility, a retained ectopic pregnancy was unexpectedly found occluding the fallopian tube. This case report raises concerns that observant management and medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy may lead to intratubal retention of and occlusion by chorionic tissue.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Prediction of successful suppression of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias by serial drug testing from data derived at the initial electrophysiologic study.

This study investigated whether data available after the initial electrophysiologic study in patients with sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia could identify those patients in whom serial drug testing is likely to be efficacious. One hundred six patients with inducible sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia, whose initial study included short-term drug testing with intravenous procainamide, were evaluated. The baseline arrhythmia induced (in the absence of all antiarrhythmic drugs) was monomorphic tachycardia with a cycle length greater than 200 ms in 81 patients and ventricular flutter or fibrillation in the remaining 25 patients. After intravenous infusion of procainamide (1,250 +/- 300 mg), a ventricular tachyarrhythmia could still be induced in 80 patients during testing with up to three extrastimuli. Serial drug testing with one to four trials of oral conventional and investigational agents was then undertaken. Evaluation of 15 clinical, hemodynamic and electrophysiologic variables by stepwise logistic regression identified two independent predictors of successful response to oral antiarrhythmic drugs: 1) noninducibility of ventricular tachycardia after intravenous procainamide (p less than 0.001), and 2) left ventricular ejection fraction greater than or equal to 40% (p less than 0.05). Subgroup analysis combining each of these variables identified patients with a high, intermediate or low probability of finding a successful oral drug regimen. Patients whose arrhythmia was suppressed by intravenous procainamide had a 100% likelihood (if left ventricular ejection fraction was greater than or equal to 40%) or an 87% likelihood (if ejection fraction was less than 40%) of responding to an oral regimen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗