Lifshitz points in uniaxial ferroelectrics.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
G Moser
Publications and source records attributed to G Moser.
Hormonal and blood glucose responsiveness as an indicator of specific emotional arousal in type 1 diabetics.
The aim of the present study was to examine, whether individual emotional arousal induced by a specific stress interview may effect growth hormone (GH), cortisol, catecholamine and blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. To test the validity of this hypothesis we subjected 18 Type 1 diabetics and 18 healthy controls to a life event interview which produces individual arousal. During this stress interview catecholamines and plasma cortisol levels showed no significant increase, whereas there was a significant increase of GH over time in both group (p < 0.04), with a trend in diabetics to have a more marked GH response than controls (p < 0.10). Blood glucose levels remained unaffected by the interview. Depressed diabetics showed significantly higher cortisol increases (p < 0.004) than non-depressed diabetics, whereas there was no difference among depressed and non-depressed controls. Depression was not associated with an increase of other hormones or blood glucose levels in both groups. The results of our study confirm specific pathways in which individual emotional arousal and depression may lead to chronic metabolic disturbances as a result of GH and cortisol hypersecretion.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Immunohistochemical study to demonstrate Sarcocystis neurona in equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.
A 5-year (1985-1989) retrospective immunohistochemical study was conducted using an avidin-biotin complex (ABC) immunoperoxidase method to demonstrate Sarcocystis neurona in histologically suspect cases of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). Primary antibodies against S. neurona and S. cruzi were utilized for the ABC technique. The findings were compared with those from cases in which the organisms were detected by examination of hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained neuronal sections. HE-stained sections detected the presence of the organisms in 20% of the suspect cases; whereas the ABC technique confirmed the presence of S. neurona in 51% and 67% of the cases by S. neurona and S. cruzi antibodies, respectively. A review of clinical case histories showed that 21/47 (45%) of the EPM horses with parasites in the tissue sections had prior treatment with antiprotozoal drugs and/or steroids. Using the test results of S. neurona and S. cruzi as a standard reference, HE test sensitivity based on examination of up to 30 neuronal sections per case was only 25%, and test specificity was 91%.
Animals↗
[Neurologic complications of osteoporotic spinal collapses. Apropos of 8 cases].
The prevalence of neurological complications in patients with osteoporotic vertebral collapse and the risk factors for neurological compromise were studied retrospectively in 138 inpatients. Six per cent of patients had objective neurological loss. Patients with neurological loss were more likely to have changes suggestive of malignant disease on roentgenograms, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging and examination of vertebral biopsy specimens. Comparison of patients with and without neurological loss suggested that an intravertebral vacuum phenomenon and/or a cortical osteoporosis may cause fracture of the posterior wall and therefore compression of neurological structures.
Aged↗
[Effectiveness of relaxation groups in patients with chronic respiratory tract diseases].
In the long-term treatment of patients with chronic respiratory diseases, patient education contributes significantly towards improving the effectiveness of conventional drugs in the treatment of asthma-specific complaints and anxiety, as well as playing a role in improved disease coping. The aim of this study was to verify whether relaxation training programs undertaken subsequent to patient education may have an additional effect with regard to both medical and psychological variables. Relaxation training encompasses the basic exercises of autogenics, as well as exercises of functional relaxation. 49 patients participated in the relaxation group (22 male, 27 female). The mean age was 50.5 +/- 16.5 years. The control group used was made up of 37 patients with chronic respiratory diseases (17 male, 20 female) who had received asthma education, but no further therapeutic intervention. Prior to and immediately after the relaxation training, the following investigations were undertaken: lung function, patient diary, Spielberger anxiety scale, Giessen list of complaints (modified and augmented) and Ziegler coping questionnaire. The linear rating scale model was used for measuring changes. The following significant changes were observed in the relaxation group as compared with the control group: decrease of trait fear, alleviation of asthma-specific complaints and asthma attacks, decrease in sleep disturbances and in morning coughing urge, reduction in the required quantities of controlled-dosage aerosol, and a modified attitude toward the disease in the sense of an improved subjective coping competence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Postoperative complication rate of thoracotomy in patients with normal and abnormal pulmonary function.
Recent advances in perioperative monitoring, anesthesia, and postoperative care have resulted in a more generous attitude towards performing thoracic surgery in patients with reduced pulmonary function. In our hospital 100 patients admitted for thoracotomy with or without pulmonary resection were classified on the basis of their pulmonary function: group I (n = 33) normal, group II (n = 40) moderate reduction, group III (n = 27) marked reduction. The mean and standard deviation in groups I, II, and III were: FEV 1 in % VC: 78 +/- 6, 72 +/- 7, and 58 +/- 10; RV in % TLC: 24 +/- 7, 35 +/- 8, and 43 +/- 9; Resistance, kPal/1/sec: 0.2 versus 0.3 versus 0.5. After surgery there were three postoperative deaths from cardiovascular complications without respiratory failure; all 3 patients were in group II and younger than 70 years. Only one patient (classified as group III and 59 years old) died from a respiratory complication (respiratory insufficiency) after a palliative operation on a large adenocarcinoma. Our data demonstrate that markedly reduced preoperative lung function is not necessarily associated with high risk in thoracic surgery--even in elderly persons--provided intensive pre- and postoperative care is guaranteed.
Adolescent↗
A five year (1985-1989) retrospective study of equine neurological diseases with special reference to rabies.
A retrospective study of horses necropsied between 1985 and 1989 at a diagnostic laboratory of a veterinary school in North America is documented. In this investigation over 20 per cent of the horses had clinical neurological signs. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (caused by Sarcocystis neurona) and cervical stenotic myelopathy (wobbler syndrome) were the most common of these disorders. The veterinary school is located in the midst of a raccoon rabies enzootic area. However, only four cases of equine rabies were diagnosed during the 5-year study. The gross microscopical and immunohistochemical findings from these rabies-positive horses are documented. Immunoperoxidase tests for detection of rabies antigen in another 35 horses with non-specific encephalitis/encephalopathy did not reveal any positive cases. Based on this investigation, it appears that immunoperoxidase is a valid method for diagnosis of rabies when fresh tissues are not available for the fluorescent antibody test. It is also concluded that no cases of equine rabies were overlooked by the diagnostic laboratory during the period under investigation.
Animals↗
Esophageal motor disorders: videofluoroscopic and manometric evaluation--prospective study in 88 symptomatic patients.
Esophageal motor disorders are best evaluated with manometry, which, however, is time-consuming and not generally available. The authors prospectively investigated the yield of videofluoroscopy in detection of esophageal motor disorders in comparison with that of manometry. Eighty-eight patients with dysphagia, globus sensation, noncardiac chest pain, or progressive systemic sclerosis underwent both manometry and videofluoroscopy at 0-32-day intervals. Videofluoroscopy was performed with one swallowing study in the upright position and up to three swallowing studies in the prone oblique position. Manometric diagnoses of achalasia (n = 15), diffuse esophageal spasm (n = 1), nonspecific esophageal motor disorders (n = 44), and adynamic esophagus (n = 9) were made. Videofluoroscopically, 87% of the patients with achalasia, the one patient with diffuse spasms, 73% of the patients with nonspecific esophageal motor disorders, and all of the patients with adynamic esophagus received a correct diagnosis, for an overall sensitivity of 80%. The radiographic specificity was 79%. The authors conclude that videofluoroscopy is a valuable and reasonably sensitive technique for screening for esophageal motor disorders.
Adolescent↗
Morphologic and immunoperoxidase study of neurologic lesions in naturally acquired rabies of raccoons.
Histopathologic (hematoxylin and eosin [HE]) and immunoperoxidase (streptavidin-biotin complex) methods were used for examination of formalin-fixed tissues of rabid raccoons from an enzootic area of Pennsylvania. Extensive morphologic lesions of rabies encephalitis were present in the cerebrum and the brain stem regions. Negri bodies were detected by both methods and were present in the brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brain stem, cerebellum, and cervical spinal cord) and in the ganglia of the trigeminal nerves. The viral inclusions were also seen in ganglion cells in the tongue, parotid salivary glands, pancreas, intestines, and adrenal glands. These sites were not associated with any inflammatory cellular infiltrate. The immunoperoxidase method was superior to HE for the detection of Negri bodies. Because lesions of rabies encephalitis were consistently observed in the cerebrum, brain stem, and cervical spinal cord regions, these areas of the brain should be included when raccoons are examined by the fluorescent antibody test for rabies.
Animals↗
Thermal conductivity near the superfluid transition in 3He-4He mixtures below T lambda.
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Journal Article↗
High incidence of esophageal motor disorders in consecutive patients with globus sensation.
Thirty consecutive patients with globus sensation who were referred to a psychosomatic clinic prospectively underwent otolaryngological, videokinematographic, and manometric examinations of pharynx and esophagus to evaluate whether morphological abnormalities or motility disorders underlay their symptom. When indicated by findings, 24-hour pH-metry, scintigraphy of bolus transport, and esophagogastroscopy were performed. Seven patients were shown to have achalasia, 10 had "hypochalasia" (lower esophageal sphincter relaxation less than 75% with esophageal contraction abnormalities but no complete distal aperistalsis), and 1 had diffuse esophageal spasms; 2 patients had also hyperplastic lingual tonsils, 1 had tonsillitis, and 1 had a cervical spondylophyte. Nutcracker esophagus and nonspecific contraction abnormalities were found in 7 patients, and gastroesophageal reflux with esophagitis and a low lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure was found in 1; only 3 patients had normal esophageal motility. None had volunteered dysphagic symptoms at primary evaluation. Psychometric investigations in consenting patients showed no higher mean scores for state and trait anxiety, depression, hysteria, and hypochondriasis than in general medical outpatients. Esophageal motor disorders may, before giving rise to dysphagia, be sensed more vaguely and induce the globus sensation. However, only disappearance of the sensation after treatment allows inferring an etiological significance of such a disorder.
Adult↗
Pharmacokinetics of alprazolam in geriatric patients with neurotic depression.
The pharmacokinetics of alprazolam was studied in 10 geriatric patients (5 males, 5 females) with neurotic depression during a 6-week period. After 0.5 mg of alprazolam on Day 1 the mean elimination half-life was 11.1 hr and Cmax 12.3 ng/ml. The pharmacokinetic evaluation on Day 1 (t 1/2, tmax) did not differ significantly from the evaluation on Day 42. The mean daily dosage on Day 42 was 1.6 mg alprazolam. The concentrations of the metabolites alpha-OH alprazolam and 4-OH alprazolam were less than 10% of that of alprazolam. All the patients improved clinically. The most common side effect was drowsiness, more often during the first week than the last week.
Aged↗
[Glycosylated hemoglobin and diabetes--self monitoring (compliance) in depressed and non-depressed type I diabetic patients].
128 type I diabetics were examined in view of connections between psychosocial factors and metabolic control. Indications of a direct interaction between depressivity, incidence of complaints and the level of hyperglycemia were found. The prevalence of manifest depression ranges at a total of 25 percent. The results further show connections between coping with the disease and behavior. High recording frequency, frequent measurements and medical consultations are found in active coping. Changes in relations to close persons and frequent change of job are psychosocial effects of the disease manifesting themselves in poorer metabolic control. In conclusion, high-risk groups of depressive diabetes patients and those under particular stress are defined.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
[Acute tonsillitis: clinical symptoms; bacteriologic culture and rapid test as deciding criteria for the use of antibiotics].
In order to prevent late sequelae from an untreated streptococcal pharyngitis all patients with streptococcal tonsillitis/pharyngitis have to be treated with antibiotics, preferably penicillin. A correct diagnosis by clinical criteria is only achievable in 72% of patients with streptococcal pharyngitis. Additional criteria such as diagnosis by culture are, therefore, mandatory. Time is a major disadvantage of traditional culture methods. Slide agglutination tests show an acceptable sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 93%. Due to the possibility of false negative test results, with consequent withholding of adequate antimicrobial chemotherapy, these test results should be used only as a valuable guide. Decision to administer an antibiotic should still be based on clinical criteria.
Adolescent↗
Successful treatment of hemodialysis-related porphyria cutanea tarda with deferoxamine.
End-stage renal failure and long-term hemodialysis treatment promote the development of genetically conditioned porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The clinical manifestation is triggered off by unknown factors coexisting with renal insufficiency and hemodialysis. Iron overload is often associated with the disease and is thought to play a key role in its pathogenesis. Iron removal by deferoxamine infusions is regarded as the treatment of choice for patients who cannot undergo repeated phlebotomy procedures and has been successfully used in patients with normal renal function. We report a case of hemodialysis-related PCT and iron overload in whom repeated venesections were contraindicated on account of severe anemia and treatment with deferoxamine led to a striking improvement of symptoms.
Deferoxamine↗
Lack of association between HLA antigens and bulimia.
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Adolescent↗
Follow-up the haemodynamic effect of nitroglycerin and determination of the optimal dose using the non-invasive and invasive methods in patients treated at the intensive care unit.
The authors report on observations with nitroglycerin applied in the treatment of acute and chronic left ventricular failure to patients suffering from ischaemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. The treatment of 28 patients was discussed in detail, the nitroglycerin products used were: Nitrolingual inj. Nitromint controlled-release tabl., Nitrong tablet and Iso-Mack controlled-release tablet (isosorbide dinitrate). The haemodynamism-influencing effects of nitroglycerin were controlled by the invasive and non-invasive methods. The pulse volume of the left ventricle was estimated by measuring the ejection angle, the filling pressure of the left ventricle by measuring the diastolic pressure of the pulmonary artery. On the basis of their observations the authors attach high importance to the determination of individual nitroglycerin doses of broader spectrum compared to the commonly used doses. By taking into consideration the ejection angle correlating closely with left ventricular pulse volume besides the other characteristic parameters (PCWP, RR, pulse rate, ECG), higher nitroglycerin doses could be used without risk in cases in which the survival of the patient was obviously due to the application of higher doses.
Aged↗
Prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis by one daily injection of low molecular weight heparin and dihydroergotamine.
201 patients aged over 40 years undergoing abdominal surgery were divided randomly into two groups. Each patient received two subcutaneous injections daily: the first group received a morning injection of 1500 aPTT U of low molecular weight heparin combined with 0.5 mg dihydroergotamine (LMH/DHE) and an evening injection of placebo; the second group received morning and evening injections of 2500 IU standard heparin combined with 0.5 mg dihydroergotamine(H/DHE). 25 patients were withdrawn during the course of the trial, 13 in the LMH/DHE group and 12 in the H/DHE group. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, sex, body weight or history of thromboembolism. 125I-labelled fibrinogen test was routinely used to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which was confirmed by phlebography. Ventilation-perfusion scanning was performed in patients in whom pulmonary embolism was suspected on clinical grounds. DVT occurred in 6 patients in the LMH/DHE group (6.9%) and in 7 patients in the H/DHE group (7.9%). Pulmonary embolism occurred in one patient in each group. The only noteworthy haemorrhagic incident was a haematoma of the abdominal wall in one patient (LMH/DHE). It was concluded that a single daily injection of 1500 aPTT U low molecular weight heparin combined with DHE is as effective and as well tolerated as two injections daily of 2500 IU standard heparin combined with DHE.
Abdomen↗