[Echinoderms and their toxins].
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
H Becker
Publications and source records attributed to H Becker.
The pharmacokinetics of flutamide and its major metabolites after a single oral dose and during chronic treatment.
Flutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen used in the treatment of prostatic carcinoma. We have investigated the disposition of flutamide and its two major metabolites in ten urological in-patients without significant liver or renal disease. After oral administration flutamide is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with a tmax of about 2 h. Flutamide undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism, and its major metabolites are 2-hydroxyflutamide and the hydrolysis product 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitroaniline. After the oral administration of a single dose of 250 mg or 500 mg maximum flutamide plasma concentrations of 0.02 and 0.1 micrograms.ml-1 respectively were observed. Maximum plasma concentrations of 2-hydroxyflutamide for the same flutamide doses were 1.3 and 2.4 micrograms.ml-1 (mean of n = 2 or n = 3). Steady-state concentrations of the biologically active metabolite 2-hydroxyflutamide (0.94 +/- 0.23 micrograms.ml-1, mean +/- SD, n = 5) were found at 2-4 days after the administration of 250 mg every 8 h. The area under the plasma concentration time curve for 2-hydroxyflutamide averaged 11.4 (10.6 and 12.1) and 24.3 (21.5-29.4, n = 3) micrograms.ml-1.h for 250 mg and 500 mg flutamide orally. 2-Hydroxyflutamide and 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitroaniline were eliminated monoexponentially with half-times of 4.3-21.9 and 4.3-17.2 h (n = 5) respectively.
Administration, Oral↗
Beta-glucuronidase and chloroacetate-esterase staining discriminates rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells from Kupffer cells in primary culture.
Beta-glucuronidase and N-AS-D-chloroacetate esterase cytochemistry have been applied to rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. Both staining procedures allowed a clear-cut differentiation of either cell type. Kupffer cells which had been stained with beta-glucuronidase showed a positive reaction, whereas sinusoidal endothelial cells were completely negative. If the chloroacetate reaction was used, the former stained diffusely while the latter showed a characteristic granular staining pattern. Identity and purity of sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells was validated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as by the pattern of released eicosanoids which is characteristic for either cell type. These two staining techniques are a valuable addition to the peroxidase reaction commonly applied for differentiation.
Animals↗
Discriminative value of serum phosphatases in patients with prostatic carcinoma.
In a comparative study, we determined the mean serum concentrations of immunoassayable prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), tartrate-inhibited phosphatase (TP), total acid phosphatase (AcP), and alkaline phosphatase (AP) in different clinical subgroups of patients with histologically proved prostatic carcinoma (PCA). The subgroups were compared with each other and with a reference group of males apparently free of any prostatic disorder. In addition, clinical sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values were calculated to assess the diagnostic value of the different assays. The main results were: (1) Serum PAP concentration measured by immunologic methods best reflected the tumor mass, the presence or absence of metastases, the histologic grade, and the therapeutic efficiency (response) in the patients. (2) The differences in biochemically determined serum TP concentrations were less clear-cut. (3) The serum concentrations of the nonspecific phosphatases AcP and AP were highly elevated in patients with progressed PCA; AP was the highest in patients with palpable tumors and metastases. (4) The sensitivities of each phosphatase were too low for detection of early PCA stages. In conclusion, immunoassayable PAP appears to be the best parameter to monitor advanced PCA disease, and AP may be a useful auxiliary parameter in metastatic PCA.
Acid Phosphatase↗
Inosiplex enhances the growth of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-positive B-cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and infectious mononucleosis.
The in vitro effects of inosiplex (INO) on proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-carrying B-cells were evaluated. As measured by 3H-thymidine uptake, INO significantly augmented the proliferation of long-term cultured Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA)-positive B-cells which were obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and infectious mononucleosis (IM). In co-culture experiments, INO and anti-immunoglobulin M antibodies coupled to sepharose (anti-mu) had additive effects on proliferation of EBNA-positive B-cells. We conclude that its direct effects on B-cell function should be considered when INO is used for the treatment of diseases characterized by B-cell hyperreactivity.
Adolescent↗
Rat hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells in monolayer culture. Biochemical and ultrastructural characteristics.
Sinusoidal endothelial cells were isolated by collagenase-pronase digestion of rat livers followed by centrifugal elutriation. The main endothelial cell fraction consisted of more than 85% endothelial cells as shown by electron microscopy and enzyme histochemistry. Contamination by Kupffer cells was less than 5%. The endothelial cells formed a coherent stable monolayer on dishes coated with collagen type IV in the presence of an RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 4% Ultroser. Fc receptors were undetectable immediately after elutriation but reappeared after 12 h in culture. Von Willebrand factor (formerly factor VIII-related antigen) could not be detected unequivocally by immunofluorescence. Unchallenged endothelial cells did not produce eicosanoids. In the presence of free arachidonate, however, prostaglandins D2 and E2 as well as thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha were detected by radioimmunoassay and by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of [3H]arachidonate-exposed cells. Cells treated with the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 produced the same spectrum of immunologically measured prostanoids. In contrast to Kupffer cells in primary culture, eicosanoid formation by endothelial cells was neither triggered by phagocytotic stimuli nor suppressed by pretreatment with dexamethasone.
Animals↗
[Synopsis of computed tomography, scintigraphy and bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma].
In 87 patients with histologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma, computerised tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy were performed to assess the accuracy of CT in detecting bronchial stenosis. Whereas patent airways and mainstem stenosis were recognised in 85% of the cases, the overall accuracy was only 57%. Furthermore, the results of both methods were compared to scintigraphy (ventilation, perfusion) to evaluate the functional impairment due to altered lung morphology and bronchial stenosis. With an increasing number of CT-diagnosed atelectatic or infiltrated segments an almost linear decrease in ventilation and perfusion values was observed. In comparison, bronchoscopy-diagnosed tumour stenosis resulted in decreased ventilation and perfusion data only if the lesion was centrally located.
Adenocarcinoma↗
[Computer-assisted quantitative-static perimetry following panretinal argon laser coagulation in diabetic retinopathy].
Computerized threshold perimetry of the central 30 degrees was performed on 69 eyes of 36 patients (men and women of all age groups and with different types of diabetes) one day before and one month after panretinal photocoagulation by argon laser. An average of 900 spots were placed in a chessboard pattern in three sessions (central size 100 microns, midperiphery 200 microns, periphery 500 microns). Only patients with a visual acuity of 20/60 or better were admitted to the study. Twenty-seven (39%) of the eyes examined had absolute scotoma (corresponding to spot III/4 on the Goldmann perimeter) even before photocoagulation; in 20 eyes (29%) some new absolute scotomata, albeit small, were seen. In the outer ten degrees of the central visual field area examined relative scotomata are the average finding. The macular region showed no threshold reductions.
Computers↗
[Carteolol: general practice-oriented assessment of the effectiveness and tolerance of a new beta-blocker in the treatment of glaucoma].
During an open multicenter field study the new beta-blocking agent Carteolol, in 1% and 2% solution, proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of 178 patients suffering from glaucoma. On average, IOP was lowered by 5.8 to 18.7 mm Hg in nontreated and by 4.8 to 17.8 mm Hg in pretreated patients. In more than 90% of the cases both the patients and the investigators judged the treatment to be good, or better than the previous therapy. Side affects occurred in less than 3% of the cases.
Carteolol↗
Construct validity in instrument development: a vital link between nursing practice, research, and theory.
Construct validity provides a vital linkage between nursing practice, research, and theory. Seventeen articles published in Advances in Nursing Science that met the criterion of reporting instrument development or modification were examined for evidence of these linkages. All were based on theoretical constructs; nursing problems were identified in 15, and 14 provided evidence of construct validity. Factor analysis was the primary method of construct validity reported. Implications for nursing practice were limited, suggestions for research focused on further instrument development, and only half reported implications for theory development. The findings indicate the need to strengthen links between practice, research, and theory.
Humans↗
[Results of 2 multicenter therapy studies in inoperable non-small cell bronchial cancer].
A total of 166 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were included in two multicenter trials testing different treatment regimens. In study I, 116 patients received 4 cycles of aggressive polychemotherapy consisting of cis-platinum 100 mg/m2 (day 1), etoposide 100 mg/m2 (days 4-6), and vindesine 3 mg/m2 (day 1) (CEV); patients without distant metastases subsequently received chest irradiation with 50 Gy. In study II, 50 patients were treated with monochemotherapy consisting of etoposide 250 mg/m2 (days 1-3), and ifosfamide 5 g/m2 as 24-h infusion (day 29). While this program was repeated in responders with extensive disease (ED), patients with limited disease (LD) subsequently received chest irradiation with 50 Gy using 20 mg/m2 cis-platinum weekly as a radiosensitizer. Response rates (CR + PR) to chemotherapy were higher in study I than in study II, and were 26% (CR 3%) vs. 8% (CR 0%) for all patients, 18% (CR 0%) vs. 4% (CR 0%) for ED, and 45% (CR 11%) vs. 13% (CR 0%) for LD. The increase in response rates by radiotherapy was marginal in study I (CR + PR 47%, CR 18%), but remarkable in study II (CR + PR 42%, CR 29%). While median survival was slightly longer in study I than in study II for ED (7.7 vs. 6.6 months) and LD (14.4 vs. 12.0 months), the 2-year survival rate was in favor of study II (10% vs. 25%). Toxicity was clearly more pronounced in study I, including 3 lethal complications and 16 discontinuations of therapy due to side effects or refusal. Thus, while in ED the efficacy of both treatment regimens was very restricted, in LD radiotherapy with cis-platinum as a radiosensitizer achieved a relatively high 2-year survival rate which justifies further testing of this treatment strategy.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
[Chemotherapy of non-small cell bronchial cancer with ifosfamide in combination with cisplatin, etoposide or vindesine].
192 untreated patients with a histologically verified non-small cell lung carcinoma were treated within 3 phase-II studies with different chemotherapy regimens: ifosfamide 2 g/m2 day 1-5 and cis-platinum 75 mg/m2 on day 1 (study I); ifosfamide 2 g/m2 days 1-5 and etoposide 120 mg/m2 days 1-3 (study II); ifosfamide 2 g/m2 days 1-5 and vindesine 3 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 (study III). All chemotherapy combinations were repeated every 4 weeks. One therapy with at least 2 courses was the minimum criterion for evaluating the remission rate. We observed complete remissions in 5 patients, and partial remissions in 54 patients (remission rate 31%). The median duration of remission was 7 months, the time to progression 5 months. The median survival time of all 192 patients was calculated as 8.5 months. The performance status had a significant influence on the remission state and the survival time of the patients. The sex and age of the patients as well as the extension and the histological type of the tumor had no influence. Concerning the remission rate and the survival time, there was no significant difference between the 3 therapy regimens. Due to the lesser toxicity, the combination ifosfamide/etoposide was the best.
Adenocarcinoma↗
The relationship of empathy to clinical experience among male and female nursing students.
While a number of educational interventions aimed at increasing empathy among nurses have been undertaken, research on empathy has yielded inconsistent findings. This study used a new multidimensional measure to study empathy levels among BSN nursing students during their first year of nursing education. Thirty-five nursing students completed Davis' Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) at four times during their junior year. The results of a repeated measures ANOVA indicated high consistency for all IRI scores across the four data collection periods. T-tests were also performed to compare IRI scores by gender. Males scored significantly lower than female nursing students on the Personal Distress Scale. While there were no other consistent, significant differences, males did not tend to score slightly higher than females on Perspective Taking. This response pattern is the opposite of what has been reported for other groups, although it is consistent with previous nursing research. The relationship between age, previous health-care experience, and IRI scores also varied by sex. Implications of these findings for educational interventions, recruitment, and retention of nursing students are discussed.
Adult↗
Health related attitudes and health promoting behaviors: differences between health fair attenders and a community group.
Demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral differences between health fair attenders and a community comparison group were examined along with predictions of health promoting behaviors from demographic and attitudinal variables. Differences between questionnaire responses of 155 health fair attenders and 71 grocery shoppers indicated attenders perceived themselves having better current health and greater internal control of their health, and reported more behaviors indicating health responsibility, exercise, and nutrition than the comparison group. Psychological variables--particularly perceptions of greater self-efficacy and better health status--were the best predictors of attenders' health promoting behaviors; demographic variables were less important. On the other hand, demographic variables were most predictive of comparison group health promoting behaviors with psychological variables playing a lesser role. Further studies of relationships between the variables examined here and experimental studies of the effects of health fair attendance on health knowledge and performance of health promoting behaviors are needed. Assuming health fairs are effective in educating attenders, it was concluded that health fair planners should: 1) encourage nonattenders to become attenders and attenders to be repeat attenders, 2) carefully promote and advertise health fairs, and 3) hold health fairs in locations easily accessible to large numbers of people.
Attitude to Health↗
[Expression of interleukin 2 receptors in in vivo Epstein-Barr virus transformed B lymphocytes].
Interleukin-2 (IL-2) enhances the proliferation of in vivo Epstein-Barr virus-(EBV)-transformed B-cells from patients with a present or past history of infectious mononucleosis. In contrast, there is less expression of functional IL-2 receptors on EBV-transformed B-cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These results suggest differences in the involvement of B-cells in EBV-associated diseases.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
[The cerebral circulation in xenon-CT].
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Aged↗
Expansion augmentation.
A new expandable breast implant for use in hypomastia is presented. The ability to manipulate the size of the implant postoperatively greatly enhanced the final results.
Breast↗
[You make the diagnosis: methotrexate pneumonitis].
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗