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Biomedical subjects

G Wagner

Publications and source records attributed to G Wagner.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in normal and inflamed human dental pulp tissue.

Information regarding the presence of the free radical scavenging (inactivating, dismutating) enzyme superoxide dismutase in human dental pulp was sought. Free radicals, such as the superoxide anion radical (O2-) and the hydroxyl anion radical (OH.), are powerful biological oxidants produced by phagocytes during the normal tissue response to injury and infection. Also produced is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an aggressive oxygen species formed by the reaction of superoxide with itself, i.e., a dismutation in which one molecule of O2- is oxidized by the other. These three reactive oxygen intermediates serve as part of the normal host biological defense mechanism for the inactivation of microorganisms and the breakdown of their toxic products. Both normal and inflamed dental pulps were assayed for the presence of this enzyme. Superoxide dismutase activity was identified in the normal pulpal tissues. There was a slight decrease in activity with age. In the inflamed pulpal tissues, enzyme activity was markedly and significantly increased in comparison to that in the normal tissues. These observations indicate that human dental pulp possesses an endogenous defense mechanism designed to protect the tissue components (cells and matrix) from the toxic effects of the reactive oxygen intermediates. In this regard, the inflammatory response of this specialized and somewhat isolated (compartmentalized) tissue is not unlike that seen in other connective tissues.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of human dental pulp: identification of Weibel-Palade bodies and von Willebrand factor in pulp endothelial cells.

Special and specific immunohistochemical techniques as well as routine transmission electron microscopy were used to identify the presence of von Willebrand factor (vWF), a blood clotting factor essential to normal hemostasis, and Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB's), respectively, in the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels from both normal and inflamed human pulpal tissues. In human endothelial cells, WPB's are peculiar and specialized organelles which store vWF. All classes of blood vessels (capillaries, arterioles, arteries, venules, and veins) were vWF positive. The fine structural studies showed similar results with regard to the presence of WPB's. Interestingly, morphometric analyses conducted on the same tissues using either light or transmission electron microscopy showed that significantly more vWF-positive blood vessels were seen in the inflamed tissues. In agreement with the latter observation, transmission electron microscopy showed that more vascular endothelial cells contained WPB's in the inflamed tissues when compared with the normal tissues. From this it appears that during pulpal inflammation, the cascade of events associated with hemostasis may be activated with the increased synthesis and release of vWF by endothelial cells.

Dental Pulp↗
PubMed1991

Detection of actin and localization of phytochrome in the green alga Mougeotia by monoclonal antibodies.

In order to get insight into the topological relationship of phytochrome and the actin cytoskeleton in Mougeotia, phytochrome was localized by indirect immunofluorescence in fixed protoplasts of Mougeotia with the monoclonal antibody Z-3B1, raised against purified Zea mays phytochrome (Schneider-Poetsch et al 1988, Planta 173, 61-72). So far no detection of phytochrome in the immunoblot was possible by this antibody, in contrast to the detection of actin by the monoclonal anti-actin C4 (Lessard 1988, Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 10, 349-362). Preliminary results are presented on attempts to enrich plant factors which interfere with the G-/F-actin equilibrium, as probed by the viscometric falling ball assay.

Actins↗
PubMed1990

Sequential 1H NMR assignments of iron(II) cytochrome c551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Sequence-specific 1H NMR resonance assignments for all but the C-terminal Lys 82 are reported for iron(II) cytochrome c551 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 25 degrees C and pH = 6.8. Spin systems were identified by using TOCSY and DQF-COSY spectra in 2H2O and 1H2O. Sequential assignments were made by using NOESY connectivities between adjacent amide, alpha, and beta protons. Resonances from several amino acids including His 16, Gly 24, Ile 48, and Met 61 experience strong ring-current shifts due to their placement near the heme. All heme protons, including the previously unassigned propionates, have been identified. Preliminary analysis of sequential and medium-range NOEs provides evidence for substantial amounts of helix in the solution structure. Long-range NOEs indicate that the folds in solution and crystal structures are similar. For one aromatic side chain (Tyr 27) that is close to the heme group we found a transition from hindered ring rotation at low temperature to rapid rotation at high temperature.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Sequence-specific 1H NMR assignments and secondary structure of eglin c.

Sequence-specific nuclear magnetic resonance assignments were obtained for eglin c, a polypeptide inhibitor of the granulocytic proteinases elastase and cathepsin G and some other proteinases. The protein consists of a single polypeptide chain of 70 residues. All proton resonances were assigned except for some labile protons of arginine side chains. The patterns of nuclear Overhauser enhancements and coupling constants and the observation of slow hydrogen exchange were used to characterize the secondary structure of the protein. The results indicate that the solution structure of the free inhibitor is very similar to the crystal structure reported for the same protein in the complex with subtilisin Carlsberg. However, a part of the binding loop seems to have a significantly different conformation in the free protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

[Cesium 134 and 137 contamination of game killed in Hesse].

The amount of caesium 134 and 137 in Hessian game hunted for food (556 animals) after the reactor accident at Chernobyl was investigated. Comparisons have been made before and after the accident. Although there was only a very low level of contamination, the contamination rate of different species varied; on average, the Red Deer showed the highest activity (130 Bq/kg). The level of caesium contamination was mostly influenced by the permanent habitat of the animals. The main influence was due to regional, geographical and meteorological conditions. The influence of age or sex could not be determined. The contamination rate was shown to decrease with time.

Accidents↗
PubMed1990

Efficacy of xantinolnicotinate in patients with dementia.

Activation of cerebral metabolism and improvement of microcirculation by influencing rheological parameters are claimed to be the underlying pharmacological principles responsible for the efficacy of xantinolnicotinate. This dual mechanism of action led the authors to perform a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with mild to moderate dementia (DSM III), characterized by a score of 40-90 on the Sandoz Clinical Geriatric Scale (SCAG), with a separate randomization for patients with Multi-Infarct Dementia (MID) and Senile Dementia of Alzheimer Type (SDAT). It was calculated that 150 patients would have to be recruited for each group. Allocation to the respective group (MID or SDAT) was based on the Hachinski Ischemic Score and computer tomogram. Preceded by a 2-week placebo run-in period, a 12-week treatment period followed with either 3 x 1 g xantinolnicotinate (Complamin) or placebo. Prior to the study, the physician's rating of the global therapeutic effect from the clinical global impression (CGI) was designated as the primary criterion of efficacy. Secondary efficacy criteria were SCAG, the BGP nursing rating, and, as psychometric variables, tests from the Nuremberg Psychogeriatric Inventory (NAI). The improvement compared to placebo was statistically significant for the CGI in both treatment groups (p less than 0.0001) and hence independent of etiology. Concerning the nurses' rating (BGP), apart from a marginally statistically significant difference for the factor "need of help" in the SDAT group, no remarkable changes were registered during treatment. However, in the SCAG the differences between verum and placebo were significant (MID p less than 0.0002; SDAT p less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1990

Interaction regulations used by schizophrenic and psychosomatic patients: studies on facial behavior in dyadic interactions.

This paper is part of an extensive research project that is trying to examine transference and countertransference processes objectively. We have used a methodology that describes and analyzes interactive behavior patterns observed between different groups of patients with psychic disturbances and their interaction partners, who are uninformed about their problems. Thus far, we have completed several studies centered around the question of whether it is possible to identify specific interaction strategies in groups of patients of different nosological categories. Related to this question was the investigation of the specificity of the response patterns of their interaction partners. The patients consisted of stutterers (stuttering openly or not, Krause 1982a), schizophrenics (Krause et al. 1989), and psychosomatic patients (Sänger-Alt et al. 1989). This line of inquiry has rather severe consequences for the research strategies, which have been described elsewhere (Krause et al. 1989). In this paper, we will present for the first time a synopsis of patterns of facial behavior observed in different groups of patients and their healthy partners, and in healthy subjects interacting with each other.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Erection and ejaculation in man. Assessment of the electromyographic activity of the bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus muscles.

Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained by concentric needle electrodes from the bulbocavernosus (BC) and ischiocavernosus (IC) muscles in 7 human volunteers during excitement to erection and subsequent ejaculation. Simultaneous registration of the time course and volume of each expressed spurt of semen was obtained using an aluminium pan suspended in front of the subject's penis on a force transducer the output of which was charted with the EMG activity. The BC and IC muscles showed no EMG activity during erection and detumescence cycles induced by visual sex stimulation. In 5 of 7 subjects, the first EMG burst of the BC in ejaculations induced by masturbation was not correlated with an expelled spurt of semen as were subsequent bursts. However, only 26 to 60% of the total number of EMG bursts were accompanied by expulsion of a spurt of semen. There thus appears to be a large safety factor in the striated muscle expulsive mechanism. Oral phenoxybenzamine treatment in 2 subjects did not significantly affect either the number of EMG bursts of the BC or the subjective pleasure of the orgasm but did significantly reduce the volume of semen expelled. Semen volume does not appear to be a unique determinant of the pleasure felt or the trigger for ejaculation.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Effects of pinacidil upon penile erectile tissue, in vitro and in vivo.

The effect of pinacidil, a new antihypertensive vasodilator, was studied in vitro upon human and porcine Corpus cavernosum and in vivo upon simian Corpus cavernosum. In vitro, pinacidil incubation (10(-5)-10(-3) M) was found to induce a concentration-dependent inhibition of the tissue response to norepinephrine (NE) and high potassium (K+). Likewise a concentration-related relaxation of the tissue, precontracted with either NE or K+, was seen using pinacidil 10(-5)-10(-3) M. Depending on the concentration applied, spontaneous activity as well as tone and amplitude of the contractions were reduced until total relaxation of the tissue was obtained with a pinacidil incubation of 10(-3) M. In vivo, 5 mg pinacidil in 0.3 ml solution was injected intracavernosally in 17 monkeys. Sixteen monkeys developed tumescence and 10, rigidity of the penis as well. Only one of 5 showed a decrease in the systemic blood pressure. Pinacidil might be of clinical interest as an agent facilitating erection when given intravernosally.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Long-term treatment of angina pectoris with bisoprolol or atenolol in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis: a randomized, double-blind crossover study.

Forty outpatients suffering from angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease and concomitant reversible. chronic obstructive bronchitis were treated with the beta1-selective beta-blockers atenolol (50 mg) and bisoprolol (5 mg) for 6 months in each case, following a randomized, double-blind crossover study design. Lung function tests were carried out by means of whole-body plethysmography before and then several times during treatment. 2 to 4 h after drug intake (once daily in the morning). The main target variables for the factorial analysis of variance for comparison of the two beta-blockers were the airway resistance (AWR), the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Bicycle ergometry was performed before and after therapy in order to check the cardiovascular effects of the two beta-blockers. The patients were questioned as to their angina pectoris and bronchitis symptoms at the monthly check-ups. There was no difference between the two beta-blockers (p > 0.05), both causing a slight increase in AWR, which increased with therapy duration, and a small but significant decrease in FEV1 and PEFR (p < 0.01). The bronchitis symptoms were not affected; however, seasonal influences were detected. Atenolol and bisoprolol had comparably pronounced effects on the cardiovascular parameters during ergometry (blood pressure, heart rate, W x min product, and ST-segment depression) and the frequency of angina pectoris attacks. Even beta1-selective beta-blockers may cause an impairment of lung function in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis. This may be due to the presence of beta1-adrenoceptors in the bronchial tissue. Fifty milligrams of atenolol and 5 mg of bisoprolol once per day are effective in the treatment of angina pectoris.

Adrenergic beta-1 Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1990

[Blood bank dictionary, definition of the concept and blood unit status for blood recipients--an electronic data processing system].

The definition of terms using the blood bank data dictionary results in a number of advantages in practice. Previously vague terms could be clearly defined when they are broken down into their constituent parts. The relationships within a blood bank can be more precisely documented by working with standard terms. The descriptions within the specification are thereby unambiguous and in this way a precise program specification can be achieved. Standardized terms facilitate the functional comparison of programs from different authors or different software sources. The use of defined terms within wards and the blood bank area results in more transparency even before the introduction of data processing.

Blood Banks↗
PubMed1990

Oxytocin and the initiation of parturition. A review.

Oxytocin (OT) binds to specific receptors of myometrial cells, inducing and increasing myometrial contractions. During pregnancy and especially close to term, an increase in the myometrial OT-receptor concentration is found, leading to an increased sensitivity of the myometrium towards circulating OT. The factors determining the receptor level are not completely understood, but may include the level of steroids, OT- and oestrogenreceptors. Because of the increased sensitivity, only a small increase in the maternal OT blood-level is necessary to induce myometrial contractions at term. The level of maternal plasma OT does not change significantly throughout pregnancy. The fetus is found to secrete considerable amounts of OT during the first stage of labour, which reaches the myometrium in spite of the high level of oxytocinase in placenta. At the second stage of labour the distension of the lower birth canal might cause release of OT from the maternal neurohypophysis into the blood, increasing the myometrial contractions. This mechanism is observed in animals, but not established in the human.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

[Experiences with percutaneous anesthesia using a lidocaine-prilocaine cream (EMLA 5% cream)].

Using an percutaneous anesthetic Lidocaine ointment (EMLA cream 5%), we treated patients with mollusca contagiosa, condylomata acuminata, and verrucae plantaris by superficial curettage or electrocaustic surgery. The same presurgical procedure was applied in taking biopsies from the glans penis. The analgesia achieved was complete in all patients with mollusca contagiosa, condylomata acuminata, and penal biopsies. In those with verrucae plantaris, the anesthesia was incomplete but tolerable, also in children. We discuss the pharmacological effects of and further indications for this new percutaneous anesthetic ointment.

Anesthetics, Local↗
PubMed1989

[Myocarditis in an autopsy cohort].

In a retrospective study 159 cases (1.8%) of myocarditis--7 pediatric--were found among 8663 consecutive autopsies. In 5 cases the diagnosis had been suspected clinically. In 68 cases (42%) it was possible to determine the etiology: 61 cases of septic myocarditis were found, including 4 mycotic, and 4 cases of toxoplasmosis. In 91 cases (58%) the myocarditis was idiopathic. Idiopathic myocarditis was firmly established as cause of death in 10 cases. In the other cases there appeared to be a relation between the extent of the myocardial infiltrate and probable involvement of the process as cause of death.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Synthetic inhibitors of bovine factor Xa and thrombin comparison of their anticoagulant efficiency.

New derivatives of benzamidine (N alpha-arylsulfonylamino-acylated derivatives of 3-amidinophenylalanine) were found to be potent inhibitors of bovine factor Xa (F Xa). The methyl and ethyl esters of N alpha-Tos-Gly- and N alpha-beta Nas-Gly-substituted 3-amidinophenylalanine, inhibited F Xa more effectively (Ki values near 0.5 mumol/l) than thrombin (Ki about 50 mumol/l). Reinvestigation of inhibition of F Xa by bis-benzamidines showed that compounds containing a cycloheptanone linking bridge are tight-binding inhibitors of F Xa (Ki in the 10 nmol/l range). The use of these inhibitors enabled us to clarify whether inhibition of F Xa or inhibition of thrombin is more efficient in anticoagulation. The thrombin inhibitors and not the potent F Xa inhibitors proved to be particularly effective in anticoagulation in vitro.

Animals↗