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Biomedical subjects

G Holtz

Publications and source records attributed to G Holtz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome in mild endometriosis. Assessment with biochemical parameters.

Failure to extrude an ovum, with subsequent luteinization of the unruptured follicle (LUF), has been proposed as a cause of infertility in women with mild endometriosis. To assess the incidence of this process we performed laparoscopies in the early luteal phase on 16 women with mild endometriosis and 8 control subjects. Peritoneal fluid was aspirated and a plasma sample obtained concurrently. Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) concentrations were determined. A review of the literature suggested that the following hormonal criteria correlated with follicular rupture: fluid E2 greater than or equal to 500 pg/ml, E2 fluid/plasma ratio greater than or equal to 3.1, fluid P greater than or equal to 3,000 ng/dl and P fluid/plasma ratio greater than or equal to 5:1. All control subjects met at least one E2 and one P criterion: 75% met all. In contrast, less than one-third with mild endometriosis met all, and three (19%) met none. Five met only E2 criteria. These findings suggest that LUF occurs occasionally in association with mild endometriosis. Additionally, ovarian steroidogenesis, particularly P secretion, was impaired frequently in the absence of LUF in women with endometriosis.

Ascitic Fluid↗
PubMed1984

Control of basal-level codon misreading in Escherichia coli.

Basal-level misreading of asparagine codons was examined in a number of Escherichia coli strains. Lysine substitutions were measured by quantitating the amount of charge heterogeneity in MS2 coat protein. In most strains the heterogeneity was consistent with misreading of AAU codons at a frequency of 3-6 X 10(-3). Strains with streptomycin resistance mutations (rpsL) have reduced levels of misreading. There is no significant difference in the frequency of basal-level errors in stringent (relA+) and relaxed (relA) strains, even during starvation for amino acids unrelated to the substitution being studied.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1983

Update on ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester. Its incidence is increasing, probably owing to the increasing incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease. Although up to 15% of patients have been reported to present in shock, a large number seek care earlier because of pelvic pain and irregular menses. With strong clinical suspicion and the use of culdocentesis, assays of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood and ultrasonography, the diagnosis can be made before rupture occurs. Although the woman's subsequent fertility has traditionally been poor, some improvement has been achieved with the use of conservative surgical techniques. Early diagnosis facilitates this approach.

Chorionic Gonadotropin↗
PubMed1983

Codon usage and mistranslation. In vivo basal level misreading of the MS2 coat protein message.

The coat protein of the small RNA virus MS2 shows charge heterogeneity in vivo. In most strains there is a basic satellite of the native protein. We have shown that this basic satellite is greatly diminished or absent in strains with the streptomycin-resistant allele, rpsL, a mutation which leads to increased translational accuracy. Further, the satellite is present in cells where the coat protein is encoded by duplex DNA. Tryptic digests of the satellite show that it contains new lysine-containing peptides which appear to be the same as those found in derivatives of coat protein which have a lysine for asparagine substitution. Sequencing of the NH2-terminal 19 amino acids of the satellite protein shows that the asparagine codon AAU at amino acid 12 is misread approximately 8 times more frequently than the AAC at amino acid 3. We conclude that the satellite species is the result of basal level lysine for asparagine substitution. These substitutions are most likely caused by preferential misreading of AAU codons at a frequency of approximately 5 X 10(-3), 10-fold higher than the average error frequency.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1982

Adhesion induction by suture of varying tissue reactivity and caliber.

The importance of suture size and chronic reactivity in adhesion induction was evaluated in two experiments. In experiment I interrupted sutures (4/0 chromic, 4/0 polyglactin, and 6/0 polyglactin) were placed in the dorsal surfaces of rabbit uterine horns. Adhesions were infrequently induced by all suture materials. In experiment II 4-cm-long incisions were made in the distal antimesenteric uterine horns. These were then reapproximated with running sutures (4/0 chromic, 4/0 polyglactin, 6/0 polyglactin, and 8/0 nylon). Adhesion formation occurred to 16 of 18 incisions closed with 4/0 or 6/0 suture, whereas none of five incisions closed with 8/0 suture formed adhesions. These observations suggest that suture size rather than tissue reactivity is paramount in adhesion induction.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Effect of surgical technique on peritoneal adhesion reformation after lysis.

The effectiveness of macrosurgical and microsurgical techniques for adhesion management was evaluated in nonpregnant female baboons that had significant pelvic adhesions as a sequela of previous surgery. Two weeks after the initial laparotomy the animals were reoperated upon and adhesion reformation assessed. Mean adhesion scores were not significantly different between the macrosurgery and microsurgery groups before or after lysis. However, the reduction in the mean adhesion score following lysis approached significance (P less than 0.1) in the microsurgical group, whereas it did not in the macrosurgical group. This study does not confirm that the use of microsurgery in adhesion management is clearly superior but does suggest it may be slightly more effective in reducing adhesion reformation.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Galactorrhea in oral contraceptive users.

One hundred women who had been employing combination estrogen/progestin oral contraceptives (OCs) for a minimum of six consecutive months were evaluated for the presence of galactorrhea. It was found in 9%. The incidence did not vary significantly with age, gravidity, duration of OC use of estrogen content. Only six subjects had breast fed previously, preventing assessment of the effect this may have on the incidence of galactorrhea. Twelve OC users with galactorrhea were evaluated for the presence of pituitary microadenomas. Two had radiologic and hormonal findings consistent with the presence of prolactinomas, one had functional hyperprolactinemia, one had an empty sella, one had a partially empty sella, and two with normal basal prolactin levels had both polytomography and computerized axial tomography findings suggestive of pituitary microadenomas. Galactorrhea in OC users who have not breast fed is frequently associated with significant intrasellar pathology and should be an indication for further evaluation.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1981

Plasma androgens, 17 beta-estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin in patients with hirsutism and/or clitoromegaly.

Plasma androgen, 17 beta-estradiol, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured in 11 normal subjects (group 1), 18 hirsute patients with no clitoromegaly (group 2), 13 hirsute patients with clitoromegaly (group 3), and 8 patients with clitoromegaly but no hirsutism (group 4). Significantly elevated levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were found in groups 2 and 3 but not in group 4 when compared with group 1. In contrast, levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in groups 1 and 2 were comparable but significantly lower than those in group 3 and 4; the levels in the latter two groups were not significantly different from each other. In groups 2, 3, and 4, levels of androstenedione (delta 4A) and the factor T/SHBG were significantly elevated whereas SHBG levels were significantly suppressed when compared with those of group 1. The clitoral index correlated (P less than 0.01) with DHEA levels in group 3. It is concluded that clitoromegaly without hirsutism is associated with increased plasma levels of DHEA and delta 4A. In contrast, hirsutism without clitoromegaly is associated with elevated levels of T, DHT, and delta 4A but normal DHEA levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Effect of thirty-two per cent dextran 70 on peritoneal adhesion formation and re-formation after lysis.

Thirty-two per cent dextran 70 in dextrose (Hyskon) has been reported effective in limiting adhesion formation following a peritoneal injury when employed in doses larger than that known to be safe for intraperitoneal use in humans. The effectiveness of a lower dosage believed to be safe for human use was investigated. Female rabbits received a standardized injury to their uterine horns and proximal fallopian tubes. Following the injury, Hyskon (2.5 ml/kg of body weight) was dripped over the sites of injury in the treatment group. Animals were reoperated upon 2 weeks later, and adhesions were scored. Hyskon significantly reduced adhesion formation. In a second experiment the effect of Hyskon on adhesion re-formation was evaluated. Adhesions were induced in the same manner. Two weeks later, the animals were reoperated upon, and adhesions were scored and lysed. Hyskon was instilled in the treatment group as in the first experiment. No significant difference was noted between adhesion scores in control and treatment groups after adhesion induction or when re-evaluated 2 weeks after lysis.

Animals↗