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Biomedical subjects

H Fritsch

Publications and source records attributed to H Fritsch.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

A 3-year cohort study on short-term effects of air pollution in Germany. 1. Influences of medication and season.

A 3-year cohort study which started in September 1987 investigates the effect of air pollution in adult patients with chronic obstructive airway disease. Of 108 patients recruited during the pilot phase in 1987 only eight patients had left the study prematurely. The most important components of the study are the daily peakflow measurements and a diary on medication and symptoms. In a preliminary analysis the influence of medication and season has been analyzed for the period September 1988 to June 1989 for 53 patients. In general, the reactions to seasonal changes were small. However, a significant decrease in peak-flow values by about 5% was found for the months of May and June compared to December for patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma.

Aged

[IgG-lambda-type multiple myeloma with plasma-cell pericardial effusion and terminal plasma-cell leukemia].

Monoclonal gammopathy of type IgG-lambda (IgG concentration 27.8 g/l) was discovered by chance in a 66-year-old woman with aortic and mitral valve disease. The patient declined any further diagnostic procedures. Three months later she experienced severe pain in the lumbar spine and developed decompensated cardiac failure with pulmonary and ankle edema. The IgG concentration had risen to 50.5 g/l. Echocardiography showed a large pericardial effusion and 600 ml of bloodstained fluid containing numerous plasma cells was aspirated (total protein 81.8 g/l, gamma-globulin 38.9%). Iliac crest biopsy showed diffuse infiltration with polymorphic plasma cells, but the differential count in peripheral blood was unremarkable. Multiple myeloma of Stage IIa was diagnosed and she was given cytostatic therapy with 17.5 mg melphalan and 112 mg methylprednisolone daily by mouth (for 4 days at intervals of 6 weeks). Though at first the IgG concentration fell, it later rose again. The beta 2-microglobulin level was raised at 30 mg/l. After three cycles of chemotherapy the patient complained of severe pain in the hips and thighs. The blood film now showed numerous, predominantly immature plasma cells. A few days later, having been ill for four months in all, she died, showing all the signs and symptoms of plasma cell leukaemia.

Aged

Development and distribution of adipose tissue in the human pelvis.

The development of the pelvic adipose tissue was studied using 300-600 microns thick sections through the pelves of 9-37-week-old fetuses and newborn children. During fetal life three different anlagens of adipose tissue appear within the pelvic cavity. Development and topography of these anlagens are described, and correlations with the development of the connective tissue compartments within the pelvis were demonstrated.

Adipose Tissue

The connective tissue sheath of uterus and vagina in the human female fetus.

A morphological study concerning the development and arrangement of the connective tissue surrounding uterus and vagina was performed by investigating epoxy resin impregnated sections through the pelves of 9-37-week-old female fetuses, of newborn children and a three-year-old child. In order to study the histology of the connective tissue in detail paraffin, semithin and ultrathin sections were used. The organization of the pelvic connective tissue in female fetuses can best be studied in middle-aged fetuses (19-28 weeks of gestation). We here report that no supportive ligaments of the uterus are found in fetuses of that age group, but that the connective tissue covering uterus and vagina is part of the connective tissue sheaths of neighbouring structures. The fetal uterus is interposed between dense subperitoneal connective tissue circularly covering the vesico- and rectouterine pouch. Dorsally the subperitoneal tissue of the rectouterine pouch joins the circularly arranged connective tissue of the rectal adventitia. A triangularly-shaped plate of dense connective tissue is situated at each lateral border of the cervix uteri. Dorsally it is continuous with the circularly running fibres of the rectouterine pouch. Whereas the dorsal wall of the vagina is loosely connected with the rectal adventitia, fibrous connective tissue intimately fuses the muscular wall of the vagina with that of the neck of the bladder and of the urethra. No evidence is provided for the existence of smooth muscle cells and elastic material within the connective tissue covering the fetal uterus.

Child, Preschool

Ultrastructural changes in onychomycosis during the treatment with bifonazole/urea ointment.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of bifonazole/urea ointment, a novel topical drug for the treatment of onychomycosis, on the ultrastructure of normal and fungus-infected human toenails by scanning electron microscopy. Nails were treated with the drug ex vivo and compared to untreated controls. During treatment, the corneocyte layers disintegrated, and the structure markedly loosened. After 5 days of treatment, the morphology of fungal cells, found at the undersurface of infected nails, was changed due to the antifungal drug action. The present data demonstrate that by the use of this drug, the agent effectively penetrates the nail plate and affects the fungal cells.

Administration, Topical

[Simplification of the production of plastination histologic preparations through the use of a grinding machine].

A new histological method basing on the plastination technique (v. Hagens, Tiedemann, Kriz 1987) has recently been developed and applied to research in human fetal development. This plastination histology shows some evident advantages compared with the classical histological techniques. As the application of this new method has been very time consuming up to now, only some special questions of basic research have been investigated. We here present the use of a grinding-machine, which can be used to partially mechanize the procedure of plastination histology.

Aged

[Development of the rectal fascia].

The development of the fascia recti was investigated by 300-600 microns thick sections through the pelves of 8-35-week-old human fetuses, of newborn children and adults. The pelves were impregnated with an epoxy resin and cut with a diamond wire-saw. We here report that the fascia recti develops as part of the adventitia recti. In 9-week-old fetuses the latter consists of condensed mesenchyme which in 18-20-week-old fetuses develops to a fibrous connective tissue surrounding the rectum. In newborn children adipose tissue starts spreading between the connective tissue lamellae of the adventitia recti and thereby separates them. The most external of these connective tissue lamellae is rather dense and can be regarded as fascia recti. In the adult we found it not always as strongly marked as in newborn children. The close developmental relations between the fascia recti and the tissue of the adventitia recti might be seen as cause for the temporary stop of tumor spread at the fascia recti.

Adipose Tissue

Cutaneous ligaments of the human hand.

A topographical study concerning the cutaneous ligaments of adult as well as human fetal hands was performed. In order to be able to preserve the cutaneous ligaments in their entirety two different methods, a careful dissection and a new histological technique, have been employed. The results of these methods are compared and the detailed topography of the different cutaneous ligaments is clarified. In addition to topographical details, the functional co-operation of the ligaments especially in regard to their clinical relevance is reported.

Adult

Topography of the pelvic autonomic nerves in human fetuses between 21-29 weeks of gestation.

A topographical study concerning the autonomic nerves in the pelvis of human fetuses was performed by investigating 300-600 microns thick sections through fetal pelves, impregnated with the epoxy resin E 12 and cut with a diamond wire-saw. In addition the inferior hypogastric plexus of a 26-week old male fetus was dissected by lateral approach. In 21-29-week old fetuses the pelvic autonomic nerves are relatively thick. Thus the nerves stand out well against surrounding structures and their topographical relationships can exactly be determined. The inferior hypogastric plexus of 21-29-week old fetuses is situated on a curved line between the rectum and the ventrally adjacent structure. It constitutes a rectangular plate, which cannot be subdivided into individual plexuses for the different pelvic organs. The fetal plexus is heavily ganglionated. Large ganglia, forming the so-called ganglion of "Frankenhaeuser", are found in the female as well as in the male fetus. In the fetal pelvis the connective tissue compartments are still clearly arranged, because adipose tissue is not yet abundant. The greater part of the inferior hypogastric plexus is situated exactly at the border between a dense visceral tissue medially and a loose parietal tissue laterally. The plexus does not share a common connective tissue cover with the pelvic blood vessels. In fetuses the inferior hypogastric plexus lies in close vicinity to serveral organs, but the pelvic floor is the only region where the nerves can hardly be separated from the surrounding structures.

Autonomic Nervous System

Staining of different tissues in thick epoxy resin-impregnated sections of human fetuses.

Sections of undecalcified human fetuses, fixed in formaldehyde, embedded in the epoxy resin Biodur E 12 and cut on a diamond-wire saw were stained according to a slight modification of the method described by Laczkó and Lévai. The sections were immersed in a methylene blue/azure II solution at 90 C for at least 3 min and counterstained with a basic fuchsin solution at the same temperature. Differential staining was as follows: bone stained pinkish; cartilage, violet; collagen fibers, blue-violet; elastic fibers, red and muscle fibers, green-blue. Most other tissues were stained blue-violet against the transparent background of the embedding epoxy resin. Thanks to the distinct and differential staining of each tissue, contrast is sufficient for black and white as well as for color photography.

Azure Stains

[The surgical anatomy of the genital nerves of the male and their preservation in excision of the rectum].

Studies of the fetus and new-born were undertaken to determine the exact localization of the nn. erigentes in the lower pelvis. The particular topography was visualized using histological slides and a special digital imaging technique. The nn. erigentes were found to be bundled along the diaphragmatic part of the urethra before entering the two cavernous bodies of the penis. These findings suggest that a small anterior patch of rectal muscle covering the diaphragmatic part of the urethra should be left behind in male patients undergoing total proctocolectomy in order to preserve potency. This operative technique cannot be employed for carcinomas extending to the anterior rectal wall. Since 1980, the new technique has been used in 18 male patients with rectal carcinoma and sexual function was preserved in all cases.

Adult

Developmental changes in the retrorectal region of the human fetus.

A morphological study concerning the development and arrangement of the connective tissue in the retrorectal region was performed by investigating 300-700 micron thick sections through fetal pelves, plastinated with the epoxy resin E 12 and cut with a diamond wire-saw. In 9-20-week old fetuses several developmental processes take place simultaneously in the retrorectal region: In the 9-week old fetus there is a marked incongruity between the curvature of the rectal wall and that of the caudal elements of the vertebral column. However, by the 20th week this incongruity has disappeared and the curvatures of the two structures parallel each other. During this developmental process, the position of the rectum in relation to the caudal parts of the vertebral column is changed. Due to the changing position of the rectum, alterations of the connective tissue are found especially in the precoccygeal portion of the retrorectal region. In the mesenchyme of 9-week old fetuses a differentiation of the retrorectal space into compartments can already be seen. With increasing age of the fetuses, three different compartments can be distinguished between the rectum and the ventral surface of the sacrum and coccyx. By the 20th week of human development fasciae can be identified within the connective tissue. In comparison to the various fasciae that have been described in the retrorectal region of the adult, only the pelvic parietal fascia is to be found in 20-week old fetuses. Fibres of this fascia traverse the retrorectal space and divide it into a presacral and a precoccygeal portion.

Connective Tissue

Colloid cysts--a review including 19 own cases.

Between 1974 and 1987 19 patients harbouring colloid cysts of the third ventricle have been treated in our department. There were 12 male and 7 female patients with an average age of 34 years (ranging from 17 to 58). Eighteen of the 19 patients underwent direct microsurgical removal of the space occupying lesion using the transcortical-transventricular approach. One patient had placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and declined further treatment. There were no deaths in the entire series and no permanent neurological deficits were observed postoperatively. Surgery was successful in unblocking CSF pathways in 12 patients; six patients required permanent CSF diversion. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of various surgical modalities for the treatment of the lesions we recommend the microsurgical removal of the colloid cyst using the transcortical-transventricular approach.

Adolescent

Effect of the muscarinic agonist carbachol on pial arteries in vivo after endothelial damage by air embolism.

Reactions of pial arteries to the muscarinic agonist carbachol were tested in vivo in chloralose anesthetized cats before and after endothelial damage. Moderate endothelial damage was induced by arterial air embolism and verified by electron microscopy for the vessels tested. The experiments had three phases; First, the normal reactivity of pial arteries to carbachol (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) was tested using the microapplication technique, then, after air embolism, the reactivity was reinvestigated at the same vessel. Finally, pial arteries were taken out for scanning electron microscopy. The results show carbachol (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) induced significant dilations under control conditions, also after repetition at the same vessel. After air embolism, the reactions to carbachol were abolished. Morphologic data revealed that whereas control pial arteries showed intact endothelium, the embolized vessels revealed various degrees of endothelial alterations. All showed flattening of endothelial nuclei, to a greater or lesser degree, and in many cases, the endothelium had a wrinkled appearance; several arteries showed severe degradation of the intercellular junctions. It is concluded that (a) carbachol-induced muscarinic vasodilatation of pial arteries in vivo can be abolished after a morphologically verified endothelial lesion--thus confirming in vitro studies in larger arteries and (b) disturbed vascular function does not require rubbing of the endothelium, but occurs already with moderate endothelial damage.

Animals

5-Fluorouracil, 4-epidoxorubicin, and mitomycin C (FEM) combination chemotherapy for advanced gastric carcinoma. A phase-II trial by the "chemotherapiegruppe gastrointestinaler tumoren (CGT)".

In a phase-II-trial 40 patients with advanced gastric cancer were treated with 5-fluorouracil, 4-epidoxorubicin, mitomycin C (FEM) combination therapy. Twenty-five out of 30 patients with measurable disease were evaluable for response after 8 weeks of treatment. Seven patients achieved a partial remission (PR), suggesting a response rate of 28%. Ten patients had no change (NC) and 8 patients showed progression (P). The median time to progression for patients with PR was 7.2 months and for patients with NC 6.3 months. Median survival time for all patients was 5.3 months, for patients with PR and NC 9.9 months. WHO grade 3 toxicity appeared in 3% (WBC and nausea/vomiting) and 15% (alopecia) of patients. The data suggest that this regimen is not more active, but is better tolerated than the original FAM schedule. Therefore it seems suitable for out-patient treatment, for elderly patients and for those who cannot be treated by more aggressive drugs.

Aged

[Effects of benzydamine on leukocyte aggregation].

The effect of benzydamine (Tantum) on the aggregation of rat leukocytes was compared to some commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID). The aggregation response was induced by various activators such as the tumour promoter phorbol myristate acetate, the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), arachidonic acid, sodium arachidonate, platelet activating factor (PAF) and a combination of cytochalasin B and Ca++-ionophore A 23187. As compared to indomethacin, piroxicam and acetylsalicylic acid benzydamine was inhibitory against most of the activators, i.e. the receptor-mediated induction of the aggregation by FMLP, the phorbol ester and sodium arachidonate. No effect could be observed against PAF induced aggregation. Under the assay conditions benzydamine exerted cytolytic effects at 2 X 10(-4) mol/l. Cytolysis reached 100% at 5 X 10(-4) mol/l benzydamine, as could be shown microscopically and by measurement of free cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase. Thus benzydamine exerted a broad spectrum inhibitory activity against rat leukocyte aggregation, possibly explained by its unspecific membrane affinity.

Animals

[Dose and time-saving fluoroscopy by means of immediate reproduction of a high-quality stored image (author's transl)].

A report is given on a special unit for use with an X-ray television chain, which permits the immediate reproduction of views stored during fluoroscopy, and thus speeds up the establishment of a reliable diagnosis. The stored images are also available during the examination. They clearly show whether the phases of functional processes needed for assessment purposes are actually represented. The result is that additional radiography is avoided, the patient subjected to less exposure the examination procedure shortened. A comparison with the corresponding 100 mm image intensifier views in clinical examples shows that the quality of the stored image is completely adequate for the establishment of the diagnosis.

Crohn Disease