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Biomedical subjects

G Bauer

Publications and source records attributed to G Bauer.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

[How well do condoms protect against HIV infection?].

A review of the literature shows that condoms offer good protection against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. A series of in vitro experiments demonstrate that quality condoms made of latex are impermeable to HIV. In addition, more than 30 in vivo studies confirm that condoms are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV. Condom breakage or slippage is relatively uncommon (1-5%). Most condom failure probably results from incorrect or inconsistent usage. Failures may be minimized by increasing experience, choice of quality condoms and by strictly following instructions for use.

Condoms↗

TGF-beta induces an inhibitory effect of normal cells directed against transformed cells.

Co-cultivation of normal and transformed fibroblasts in the presence of exogenously added transforming growth factor type beta I (TGF-beta I) leads to a drastic reduction of colony-forming transformed cells. This inhibitory effect is dependent both on the dose of TGF-beta applied and the density of normal cells. It does not reflect a direct action of TGF-beta on transformed cells, but is rather induced by TGF-beta in normal cells. In the absence of exogenously added TGF-beta, normal cells exhibit a basal inhibitory activity, which can be abrogated by anti-TGF-beta. TGF-beta-mediated inhibition of transformed cells by normal cells may be considered as a novel potent controlling step in carcinogenesis.

Animals↗

Zonisamide for add-on treatment of refractory partial epilepsy: a European double-blind trial.

The new antiepileptic drug zonisamide was evaluated in a European multicenter parallel-group double-blind trial as add-on treatment for 139 patients with refractory partial epilepsy. During treatment with zonisamide complex partial seizures decreased by 27.7% compared to placebo (P < 0.05) and the median rate dropped from 12/month to 7.1/month with no changes in the placebo group (P < 0.007). During the 12-week double-blind phase a 50% reduction of all seizures was recorded in 29.9% of the patients treated with zonisamide vs. 9.4% during placebo. Complete remission was observed during treatment with zonisamide in 6.2%. The plasma concentrations of the concomitant antiepileptic drugs did not change markedly when zonisamide was added. Adverse events, mostly fatigue, somnolence, dizziness and ataxia, occurred in 59.2% of the patients compared to 27.9% during placebo. Zonisamide was withdrawn in two patients due to adverse events. Kidney stones were not observed nor any relevant clinical chemistry or hematological changes. Zonisamide is an effective antiepileptic drug for add-on treatment of refractory partial epilepsy.

Adolescent↗

[The CT classification of intra-articular calcaneus fractures].

93 patients with 102 intraarticular calcaneus fractures (ICF) were examined by CT from 1986 to 1992. The images were evaluated with the use of a modified classification based on the number of fractured heel bone facets (2 facets in 4.8%, 3 facets in 53.9%, 4 facets in 32.3%, comminution in 8.8% of the fractures), the involvement of the calcaneus-cuboid joint (60.8%) and the fracture mechanism (tongue-type in 28.4%, joint depression in 62.7%) with the weight-bearing calcaneal compartments taken into special consideration. In that way, each intraarticular calcaneus fracture could be scored, enabling a fast diagnosis comprising factors relevant for the therapy and prognosis.

Adolescent↗

Successful treatment of spinal sarcoidosis by high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone.

A man with known pulmonary sarcoidosis presented with paraplegia and a rod-shaped increase in T2 signal intensity in his cervical and upper thoracic spine. Initial treatment efforts using oral doses of 40 mg of methyl-prednisolone were futile, but intravenous bolus therapy (500 mg of methyl-prednisolone daily for 1 week) led to long-lasting improvement of his neurological status and to normalization of MRI findings.

Adult↗

Analysis of morphology and gait function after intraarticular calcaneal fracture.

Open reduction and internal fixation is suggested by an increasing number of investigators as preferable treatment of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Assuming that quasianatomical reduction coincides with adequate function, many surgeons rely on morphological parameters (standard radiography, computed tomography) to demonstrate the effectiveness of surgery by achieving an optimum restoration of calcaneal geometry and joint surfaces. In order to correlate morphologic parameters and functional assessment, a prospective study was performed on 45 patients after surgical treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures using standard radiographic and computed tomographic scores, clinical evaluation, and gait analysis (dynamic pedography). Mean follow-up time after reconstruction was 23 months (range 18-50). Although clinical evaluation and assessment of gait function corresponded well with each other, radiographic scores showed a poor to moderate correlation with functional evaluation (r = 0.29-0.62); this was probably due to the missing analysis of soft tissue parameters. The comparison of clinical results and gait parameters with the individual radiographical parameters allowed us to identify those factors, with the greatest influence seen on the functional prognosis (i.e., calcaneal width, arthrosis in the neighboring joints). Morphologic analysis after calcaneal reconstruction based on radiographic techniques cannot predict subsequent function or substitute for functional assessment. However, it does allow for practical conclusions for surgical strategy in primary osseous reconstruction or secondary corrections.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Preclinical evaluation of antiviral activity and toxicity of Abbott A77003, an inhibitor of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease.

A synthetic, symmetry-based inhibitor of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease, A77003, was evaluated for antiviral activity and cytotoxicity in vitro in human peripheral blood lymphocytes or cell lines H9, CEM, and U937. Toxicity and antiviral activity of the HIV-1 protease inhibitor were compared with those of the reverse transcriptase inhibitors zidovudine and 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine and human recombinant alpha and beta interferons. Production of infectious virus particles, cell-free p24 antigen, and cell-associated viral proteins was reduced 50% by the HIV-1 protease inhibitor at concentrations of 0.12 to 0.26 microM (50% effective concentration [EC50]) in acute infection and 0.2 to 1.7 microM (EC50) in persistent infection. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of U937 cells persistently infected with HIVIIIB using a monoclonal antibody to HIV also showed a reduction of cell-associated viral protein in A77003-treated cells. Furthermore, toxicity of A77003 assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was not observed at greater than 100 times the EC50. A77003 was more effective in persistent HIV-1 infection than alpha and beta interferons (1,000 U/ml), while zidovudine and 2',3'-dideoxy-2',3'-didehydrothymidine were not active.

Antiviral Agents↗

[Post-traumatic leg length inequality after conservative and surgical therapy of pediatric femoral shaft fractures].

Between 1986 and 1991, 120 femoral fractures were treated in 116 children. The treatment of choice was conservative in young patients (overhead traction in 1- to 3-year-old children. Weber traction in 3- to 8-year-old children). Operative treatment was indicated in older children: plate fixation was performed in children between 5 and 16 years of age, while external fixation was used in children aged 2-14 years. In a retrospective study 66 femoral fractures in 62 children were reviewed and limb length checked both clinically and by ultrasound measurement. For ultrasound evaluation a special device was constructed to provide standardized measuring conditions. In 27 cases we observed specific complications related to the method. In all cases fracture healing occurred, but in 7 cases it was necessary to change the method of treatment. Ultrasound measurement revealed mean limb lengthening of 5.5 mm after overhead traction (max. 11 mm) and of 7 mm (max. 25 mm) after Weber traction. The median difference in leg length after operative treatment was 5.5 mm (max. 15 mm) for plate fixation and 8.5 mm (max. 25 mm) for external fixation. Our results allow no definitive statement on the most suitable treatment for femoral fractures in children (conservative versus operative treatment), except that children under 3 years of age are best treated by overhead traction.

Adolescent↗