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Biomedical subjects

G Hermann

Publications and source records attributed to G Hermann.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Stress-induced changes attributable to the sympathetic nervous system during experimental influenza viral infection in DBA/2 inbred mouse strain.

The murine model of influenza viral infection was used to evaluate the effects of restraint stress on pathogenesis and survival in the DBA/2 inbred strain of mice. Restraint stress has been associated with an enhanced probability of survival during influenza infection in this strain of mouse. Previous studies suggested that the protective mechanism(s) of stress on mortality might be attributable to elevated levels of circulating glucocorticoids. Subsequent work demonstrated that corticosterone levels alone could not account for the enhanced survival seen in the DBA/2 mice. The present studies examined the role of catecholamines in behavioral stress during influenza infection. It appears that glucocorticoids may play a primary role in trafficking and restriction of inflammation, while catecholamines may play role in limiting activation of virus-specific effector cells. The studies presented here suggest that the interplay between these two physiological response mechanisms needs to be coordinated to optimize development of the immune response to an infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Kinetics of glucocorticoid response to restraint stress and/or experimental influenza viral infection in two inbred strains of mice.

The murine model of influenza viral infection was used to evaluate the effects of restraint stress on pathogenesis and survival in inbred strains of mice. We recently reported that restraint stress was associated with an enhanced probability of survival in one strain of inbred mouse, DBA/2, and not in another, C57BL/6. Those studies suggested that the protective mechanism(s) of stress on mortality in the DBA/2 mice might be attributable to elevated levels of circulating glucocorticoids. Therefore, daily levels of plasma glucocorticoids were measured during influenza viral infection in both these strains. The present studies demonstrated that influenza infection itself is perceived as a stressor in both C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice as evidenced by elevated plasma glucocorticoid levels within 48 h of infection. However, augmentation of glucocorticoid levels was not seen in the DBA/2 mice that were also subjected to restraint stress during the course of infection. Thus, corticosterone levels alone did not account for the enhanced survival seen in this group of animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Correlation between long-chain acylcarnitine in serum and myocardium after heart transplantation in humans.

The concentrations of free, short-chain, and long-chain acylcarnitine were determined in 19 right ventricular endomyocardial biopsies and in serum from 14 patients after orthotopic heart transplantation and 3 nontransplanted control patients with normal cardiac function. Coronary angiography was normal in all patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction as measured by radionuclide ventriculography was not different between heart-transplanted and control patients (60.3 +/- 6.7% and 61.7 +/- 10.7%, respectively). Myocardial and serum carnitine concentrations in heart-transplanted patients were not different from control patients (myocardium: free carnitine 11.8 +/- 4.8 vs 7.1 +/- 7.1, short-chain acylcarnitine 4.5 +/- 2.1 vs 5.8 +/- 2.0, long-chain acylcarnitine 4.9 +/- 3.8 vs 3.9 +/- 3.2 mumol/g noncollagen protein; serum: free carnitine 32.6 +/- 11.2 vs 32.0 +/- 9.9, short-chain acylcarnitine 7.3 +/- 5.2 vs 5.1 +/- 1.3, long-chain acylcarnitine 4.1 +/- 2.7 vs 4.8 +/- 4.0 mumol/L). There was a highly significant correlation between myocardial and serum long-chain acylcarnitine (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). The data suggest that carnitine metabolism is not altered after heart transplantation.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Case report 835: Parosteal osteosarcoma involving the left radius.

A case of parosteal osteosarcoma arising in the radius was presented. The site is uncommon, being represented in about 1% of all reported cases of parosteal osteosarcoma. The clinical and radiographic characteristics of this lesion were described and the histological as well as the differential diagnosis discussed.

Bone Neoplasms↗
PubMed1994

Multivariate analysis of roentgenologic characteristics and risk factors for nonpalpable carcinoma of the breast.

Screening mammography improves carcinoma of the breast survival through early detection and treatment of nonpalpable, often noninvasive, carcinomas. Consideration of the roentgenologic characteristics of mammographic masses and calcifications in combination with risk factors of patients may improve the yield of spot localization breast biopsy. Risk factors solicited by questionnaire were correlated with the roentgenologic appearance and histopathologic factors of 482 specimens from spot localization breast biopsies (39 percent malignant). Masses with irregular contour (p < 0.001) and high density (p < 0.005) were associated with malignant tumors. Packed, coarse and round calcifications were associated with benignity (p < 0.001), whereas scattered, fine and mixed calcifications were associated with malignant tumors (p < 0.05). Malignant masses with smooth contour were significantly more likely to be associated with noninvasive histology. Patients found to have malignant tumors were significantly older than patients with benign lesions (58 versus 52 years, p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression was used to evaluate the relative usefulness of demographics and roentgenologic features in predicting benign and malignant pathology among masses and calcifications. Age and irregular contour were independent significant predictors of malignancy for masses. Age, round, coarse, packed or scattered calcifications were significant independent predictors of benignity among calcifications. The radiologist correctly predicted malignant pathology in 60 percent of the patients and benign pathology in 78 percent. Parity, age at menarche, age at first pregnancy, age at menopause, history of benign breast disease, history of carcinoma of the breast, family history of carcinoma of the breast, birth control pill exposure and smoking were not significantly associated with the diagnosis of malignant tumor. These results suggest that risk factors for carcinoma of the breast are insignificant for nonpalpable lesions because patients referred for needle localization are already selected for high risk. Roentgenologic patterns of masses are useful for predicting which lesions are invasive.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Mechanisms of action of long-acting analogs of somatostatin.

The prolactin secreting rat pituitary tumor cell line, GH3, expresses high affinity receptors for both vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SS14). VIP induces prolactin secretion by GH3 cells, an action which is antagonized by SS14. This in vitro model was used to examine the mechanism of action of two synthetic somatostatin analogs, D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-OH (octreotide; SMS 201-995) and cyclo(aminoheptanoyl-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr (benzyl)) (cyclic pentapeptide; CPP). Octreotide and CPP bind to the pituitary somatostatin receptor with lower affinity than does SS14 (KD = 1.3 +/- 1.1; 80 +/- 29; 211 +/- 107 nM for SS14, octreotide and CPP, respectively). SS14 and octreotide were equally effective as inhibitors of VIP-mediated accumulation of cAMP (40% and 45% inhibition, respectively, P < 0.01). SS14 and octreotide also inhibited forskolin-mediated accumulation of cAMP (42% and 40% inhibition of cAMP production, respectively; P < 0.01). The inhibitory action of somatostatin and octreotide on both VIP- and forskolin-mediated cAMP accumulation was blocked by pre-treatment of GH3 cells with pertussis toxin (P < 0.001). Neither SS14 nor octreotide affects the apparent affinity of VIP for its specific receptors on GH3 cells; thus, the inhibitory action of SS14 and octreotide appears to be mediated at the locus of the G-protein-adenylate cyclase complex. In contrast, CPP inhibited VIP-mediated cAMP accumulation slightly, but had no effect on forskolin-mediated cAMP production. Pertussis toxin did not attenuate CPP affects on VIP-mediated cAMP accumulation. However, pre-incubation of GH3 cells with CPP decreased the apparent affinity of receptors for VIP, suggesting that effects of CPP are attributable to interference with VIP binding rather than inhibition at the G-protein-adenylate cyclase complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

MR imaging in adults with Gaucher disease type I: evaluation of marrow involvement and disease activity.

An investigation was conducted to determine the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of bone marrow involvement in patients with Gaucher disease type I. T1- and T2-weighted images were obtained of the lower extremities of 29 adult patients. Patients were classified into one of three groups based on marrow signal patterns on T1- and T2-weighted images as well as change in signal intensity from T1- to T2-weighted images. An increase in signal intensity from T1- to T2-weighted images was the criterion for an "active process" within the bone marrow. Classification of the 29 patients produced the following results: group A: normal, 4 patients; group B: marrow infiltration, 16 patients; group C: marrow infiltration plus active marrow process, 9 patients. Correlation with clinical findings revealed that all nine patients with evidence of an active marrow process on MRI (group C) had acute bone pain. Conversely, only one of the remaining 20 patients (groups A and B) had bone pain. There was no correlation between disease activity and findings on conventional radiographs. We conclude the MRI provides an excellent noninvasive assessment of the extent and activity of marrow involvement in type I Gaucher disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Lesions of juxtacortical origin (surface lesions of bone).

A large variety of tumor and tumor-like conditions have been shown to originate from the surface of bone (Table 1). Most surface lesions are associated with periosteal reaction. The periosteum is a multipotential membrane. Its cellular composition may give rise to a variety of both neoplasms and tumor-like conditions. To avoid misinterpretation, the orthopedist, radiologist, and pathologist should be familiar with the entire spectrum of surface lesions. A better understanding of the natural history and biological behavior at different lesional maturity stages and correlation of the history with the radiographic and pathological findings is essential to establish the correct diagnosis. A history of injury or blunt trauma is very important. A stress fracture may produce a periosteal reaction acd callus that can be difficult to distinguish from osteosarcoma. In this review article, the authors wish to describe and define each term by its anatomy and radiographic features while discussing the entire spectrum of surface lesions. All the illustrative cases in this review article have been proven histologically.

Bone Diseases↗
PubMed1993

Case report 794. Primary leiomyosarcoma of the right femur (fig. 4).

A rare case of primary leiomyosarcoma of the proximal end of the shaft of the right femur in a 52-year-old man has been reported. Proof was obtained by an open biopsy. The origin, pathological features, and clinical presentation have been discussed. The radiographic appearance, the differential diagnosis, and the poor prognosis of this tumor have also been indicated.

Femoral Neoplasms↗
PubMed1993

Case report 796. Alveolar soft part sarcoma.

We have presented a young adult with alveolar soft part sarcoma. The lesion occurred in the ankle region and caused extensive bony erosion that mimicked metastasis. At the time of presentation, gingival and subcutaneous metastases were present. Within a short period, however, the patient developed disseminated lung and skeletal metastases as well.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Restraint stress differentially affects the pathogenesis of an experimental influenza viral infection in three inbred strains of mice.

Genetic variation in the response to stress may play a critical role in susceptibility to inflammatory diseases and development of the immune response. Experimental influenza viral infection was used to study the effects of restraint stress (RST) on pathogenesis and development of the immune response. Three inbred strains of mice (C57BL/6, DBA/2, and C3H/HeN) were infected with influenza A/PR8 and subjected to repetitive cycles of RST during development of the immune response. RST diminished cellular immune and inflammatory responses in all three strains; yet only the DBA/2 strain demonstrated RST-associated reduction in influenza viral-induced mortality.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Systemic inflammatory disorder related to fibrous breast capsules after silicone implant removal.

Silicone breast implants have been associated with connective-tissue inflammatory syndromes such as systemic sclerosis, and as with other artificial breast prostheses, fibrous capsules tend to form around the implants. The capsular tissue is generally considered inert and typically is left in situ when the prostheses are explanted. We report a patient who formed symptomatic bilateral submammary cysts associated with pain, swelling, arthralgia, fever, axillary lymphadenopathy, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and antinuclear antibody following removal of intact silicone breast implants without capsulectomy. Clinical improvement followed removal of the capsules, which histologically displayed fragments of silicone, fibrous tissue, and inflammatory cells. Our experience suggests that when silicone breast implants are thought to be the cause of a clinical inflammatory syndrome characterized by mammary pain, swelling, arthralgia, or serologic abnormalities, consideration should be given to removing the capsules entirely so that the chance of a perpetuating reaction will be reduced.

Arthritis↗
PubMed1993

Periosteal ganglia: CT and MR imaging features.

The imaging features of four cases of periosteal ganglia were studied. Three lesions were located over the proximal shaft of the tibia, in proximity to the pes anserinus. The fourth lesion involved the distal shaft of the ulna. Three lesions had different degrees of external cortical erosion, scalloping, and thick spicules of periosteal bone on plain radiographs. The bone adjacent to the fourth lesion was not involved. Computed tomography (CT) showed these lesions to be sharply defined soft-tissue masses abutting the periosteum. All of the lesions had the same attenuation as fluid. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed the ganglia to be sharply defined masses that were isointense compared with neighboring muscles on T1-weighted images. There was markedly increased signal intensity compared with that of fat on T2-weighted images. The signal intensity on both types of images was homogeneous. The MR imaging features were consistent with the fluid nature of the lesions. Under the appropriate clinical circumstances, the MR imaging and CT features of periosteal ganglia are diagnostic.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Intramuscular myxoma of the left forearm.

Intramuscular myxoma is a distinct benign tumor confined to muscles. This tumor usually favors the thigh and shoulder. We are reporting a case of intramuscular myxoma of the forearm in an elderly female, a very rare site for this tumor. The magnetic resonance features of intramuscular myxoma are described. The differential diagnosis that included acute hematoma, acute abscess, intramuscular synovial cyst, schwannoma and malignant soft tissue tumors with myxomatous degeneration is discussed. The association between intramuscular myxomas and fibrous dysplasia has been emphasized.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Case report 795. High-grade surface osteosarcoma of the radius.

We described a case of high-grade surface sarcoma of the radius in a 14-year-old boy. The lesion appeared radiologically benign and was confined to the surface. The tumor was resected. At the time of biopsy both lungs showed diffuse metastases. Following surgery the patient underwent chemotherapy and the lung metastases improved. The pertinent literature was briefly discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Eosinophilic granuloma of the left ischium.

A case of eosinophilic granuloma in an unusual location (ischium) is presented. Eosinophilic granuloma, a benign lesion of bone, has many radiographic appearances that vary with location. The flat bone of the skull and pelvis are common sites of involvement. Although the iliac wings and pubic rami are not uncommon sites for such a lesion, the ischium is a rare site. This occurrence prompted us to report this case.

Adult↗