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H Graf

Publications and source records attributed to H Graf.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Short-term effects of phase I therapy on crevicular cell populations.

The purpose of the present study was to use a novel intracrevicular lavage technique to evaluate short-term effects of phase I therapy on crevicular cell populations. Nineteen patients with untreated advanced adult periodontitis were selected for phase I therapy. One side of the dentition was treated with ultrasonic curets (U), the other side with manual curets (M). Nine months before (-9), immediately prior to (0), and 1 month after treatment (+1) gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding index (BI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and probing attachment levels (PAL) were measured at all sites in the dentition. Crevicular lavages were obtained from 3 to 4 selected sites per patient at the same time points. Crevicular leukocytes were vital stained with ethydium bromide-fluorescein-diacetate (EB-FDA). The total number of cells and the percentage of vital cells (%) were calculated for each sample. Clinical and lavage parameters obtained from the selected sites were compared between U and M sites, and between pre- and post-treatment values. The results showed that without treatment PAL remained at the same level at both pretreatment time points -9 and -0 (control). At 1 month after treatment there were statistically significant reductions in GI, PI, BOP, and PD (P < 0.001 for each comparison), and a statistically significant gain in PAL from 4.9 to 4.1 mm (P = 0.014). The total number of leukocytes per sample was similar at both pretreatment time points, but numerically reduced at 1 month after treatment. The percent of vital leukocytes was above 74% at both pretreatment time points (control). After treatment these values were below 70%. This reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.002). These results suggest that periodontal phase I therapy leads to shifts in crevicular cell populations.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Bromelain protease F9 reduces the CD44 mediated adhesion of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

The thiol protease bromelain has been shown to remove T-cell CD44 molecules from lymphocytes and to affect T-cell activation. We investigated the effect of a highly purified bromelain protease F9 (F9) on the adhesion of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Preincubation of the lymphocytes with F9 reduced the adherence to about 20% of unstimulated and to about 30% of phorbol-dibutyrate (P(Bu)2) stimulated lymphocytes. Using flow cytometry, both crude bromelain and protease F9 reduced the expression of CD44, but not of LFA-1, on PBL. F9 was about 10 times more active than crude bromelain; at 2.5 micrograms/ml of F9 about 97% inhibition of CD44 expression was found. A mAb against CD44 was tested and found to block the F9-induced decrease in PBL-binding to HUVEC. The results indicate that F9 selectively decreases the CD44 mediated binding of PBL to HUVEC.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

[Effect of rapeseed in beef cattle feeding on fatty acid composition, vitamin E content and oxidative stability of body fat].

Four groups of five fattening bulls each consumed a concentrate--wheat straw-diet (2.5:1) supplemented with either 0, 7, 14 or 21% ground rape seed for 350 days. Rape seed contained 427 g crude fat (ether extract) and 127 mg vitamin E per kg dry matter. The supplementation with rapeseed increased the fat concentrations in the rations from 25 to 50, 75 and 100 g, and of vitamin E from 11 to 19, 26 and 34 mg per kg dry matter. All bulls were slaughtered with about 560 kg body weight. Fatty acid composition of depot fat and of the fat of musc. long. dorsi were determined by gas liquid chromatography. Vitamin E concentrations in blood, depot fat and muscle were determined by HPLC. Oxidative stability of depot fat was measured as induction time by means of rancimat-test. Rape seed supplementation decreased C16-fatty acids and increased C18-fatty acids in depot and muscle fat. Muscle fat contained significantly more mono and poly unsaturated fatty acids (40.2 and 7.4%) than depot fat (33.5 and 2.0%, respectively). Rape seed supplementation enhanced significantly the vitamin E-concentrations in all body samples. In depot fat vit. E increased from 4.5 to 7.3, 8.5 and 14.9 micrograms/g. Induction time increased from 10.9 to 18.5, 16.1 and 19.5 h, when 0, 7, 14 or 21% rapeseed were added.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1994

Increased levels of circulating islet amyloid polypeptide in patients with chronic renal failure have no effect on insulin secretion.

To elucidate the metabolism of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) with respect to a possible renal elimination we investigated IAPP levels in 20 lean, nondiabetic patients with renal failure maintained on chronic hemodialysis (HD) and in 20 healthy controls. The basal levels of IAPP were significantly higher in uremic patients than in controls (15.1 +/- 3.2 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.2 pM, P < 0.001) suggesting renal excretion of IAPP. To investigate the impact of chronically elevated levels of endogenous IAPP on insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) was performed in a subset of patients on hemodialysis and in age-matched healthy controls (C) and obese patients with normal (NGT) and with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Insulin sensitivity index (SI) was 8.7 +/- 1.5 in C (P < 0.05 vs. NGT, P < 0.01 vs. IGT), 5.4 +/- 0.9 in HD (P < 0.05 vs. IGT), 3.1 +/- 1.0 in NGT, and 2.0 +/- 0.5 in IGT. First phase insulin secretion was increased in patients on HD compared with those of several control groups. The results of this study therefore indicate a renal route of metabolism of IAPP. Increased endogenous circulating IAPP levels over a long period of time do not lead to a decrease in insulin release in patients on HD and do not cause the insulin resistance commonly seen in obesity and diabetes. Increased levels of circulating IAPP therefore are not likely to be a pathogenetic factor in the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Ion exchange resins for the purification of monoclonal antibodies from animal cell culture.

We have compared various ion exchangers for monoclonal antibody (MAb) purification using different starting materials such as ascitic fluid and cell culture supernatant. Twelve cation and anion exchange resins were tested so far. Purification of MAbs with regard to the starting material is described. In well-defined conditions of adsorption (20 mM MES buffer, pH 6.50), one purification step based on cation-exchange chromatography is generally sufficient to achieve at least 90% purity of the MAb, even when produced by animal cell culture. Cation-exchange supports exhibit higher capacity for MAbs compared to anion exchangers. Among the cation exchangers tested, we have selected the cross-linked matrix S Sepharose FF for its large specificity and capacity for MAbs. Considering these key parameters and also the good mechanical resistance of the S Sepharose FF, we describe how, by varying the flow rate, sample concentration, and size of the column, the productivity may be improved in a monoclonal antibody purification process. Finally, a general 'gram scale' purification protocol of MAbs produced by animal cell cultures is proposed. This protocol, based on economical adsorption conditions and three steps of elution (100 mM, 200 mM and 1 M NaCl), allows the recovery of highly purified MAbs.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Reaction of the anterior eye segment to preventive Credé treatment].

A controversily carried discussion concerning the prophylaxis according to Credé is in process. Reviewer decline the Credé-prophylaxis. The high rate of side effects (Argentum conjunctivitis) interdicts with applications of Argentum nitricum. In a blind study we examined the reaction of the ophthalmic front-region in the first 5 days after delivery in 40 neonates with and without Credé-prophylaxis with Argentum nitricum. We found no significant differences in the frequency of pathological chances in the palpebra, conjunctiva bulbi et tarsi and cornea between the two groups. In the group of children, who had not been given Credé-prophylaxis there was the same frequency of palpebral edema and conjunctival hyperemia. Until there is no general screening for gonorrhea in the late pregnancy and because of lack of a better method as the prophylaxis according to Credé we can recommend the Credé-prophylaxis with argentum nitricum as an undangerous and save method for preventing gonoblennorrhea of neonates.

Anterior Eye Segment↗
PubMed1994

[Blood pressure values in normal pregnancy].

In two studies independent from each other we examined the behaviour of arterial blood pressure in normal pregnancy. Study 1 was performed in exactly defined external conditions, study 2 in normal antenatal clinic. Especially in study 1 a distinct reduction of blood pressure could be proved. Towards the end of pregnancy there is a raise of blood pressure. Blood pressure is dependent on the position of the body. Havdarized examination conditions have to be claimed with respect to reproducibility and comparability of the values.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The clinical value of plasma fibronectin in pregnancy].

We have measured plasmatic fibronectin in 23 normotensive pregnant women during pregnancy (overall 161 values). On the average 6 samples from every woman have been taken. Plasmatic fibronectin rose continuously from 313 +/- 76 mg/l in the first trimester to 416 +/- 194 mg/l in the third trimester. Normal pregnant women (n = 173, 358 +/- 140 mg/l) were compared with pregnant patients with preeclampsia (n = 37), woman with chronic hypertension in pregnancy (n = 25) and normotensive pregnant patients with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR, n = 5). In the group with chronic hypertension (466 +/- 119 mg/l) there was no significant difference to the normal group, but we found a significant (p < 0.01) different value of fibronectin (748 +/- 195 mg/l) in the group of patients with preeclampsia. A tendency to higher fibronectin values was also noticed in the group with IUGR (739 +/- 212 mg/l). Because of the low number of patients this difference was not statistically significant. We conclude, that plasmatic fibronectin is an important, but not absolutely specific screening parameter for estimation of the endothelial injury in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We believe, that fibronectin is one the best parameters to forecast a preeclampsia.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Recombinant human erythropoietin in renal transplant recipients with renal anemia.

Thirty-seven kidney graft recipients with chronically declining transplant function accompanied by renal anemia were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin for 3 months. In all these patients anemia improved and mean hemoglobin levels increased from 7.67 +/- 1.26 g/dl to 9.83 +/- 1.94 g/dl (p < 0.01). Mean creatinine increased from 4.23 +/- 1.82 to 4.62 +/- 2.42 (p < 0.05) but the progression of transplant failure was not influenced when compared with pretreatment values obtained at least 6 months before study entry. Mean blood pressure levels were not altered but 12 patients required additional antihypertensive medication.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The new terminology and classification of hypertensive diseases in pregnancy].

For hypertensive disorders of pregnancy there are not only a lot of terms and trials for classification--but also the definition of hypertension as the leading sign is unclear. This explains the confusion around this meaning-full problem. The International Society for the Study of hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) submitted proposals for a new terminology and classification of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The members of the ISSHP's German Section and the German Study group for Hypertension in Pregnancy/Gestosis simplified this new ISSHP-proposal and adapted it to the peculiarities of German language. This new concept is presented and recommended for use in medical practice.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1994

[Incidence of hypertension in pregnancy in relation to the definition of hypertension].

According to a proposal of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (ISSHP) the definition of hypertension is based on a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more. Systolic and mean arterial blood pressure (e.g. MAP II) are not be taken into account. Out of a clear defined district the totality of n = 2259 pregnant women has been strictly supervised till to delivery and afterwards. The frequency of hypertension according to the old ACOG-definition was calculated to be 15.9% (n = 360). According to the newer ISSHP-definition it was 12.7% (n = 287). To detect severe and hazardous cases the newer ISSHP-definition seems to be better than the older definition of ACOG. Therefore, the acceptance of the ISSHP-proposal is recommended.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗
PubMed1993

Effects of dichloroacetate on exercise performance in healthy volunteers.

Dichloroacetate (DCA), a stimulator of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, decreases lactate levels and peripheral resistance and increases cardiac output. This study was performed to examine the effects of DCA on exercise performance in humans. Eight healthy male volunteers (age 20-28 years) were tested by bicycle spiro-ergometry using a microprocessor-controlled gas analysis system after infusion of DCA (50 mg/kg body weight) or saline. Prior infusion of DCA significantly reduced the increase of lactate levels during exercise when compared with infusion of saline (1.40 +/- 0.21 vs 2.10 +/- 0.09 mmol.l-1 at 50% of the expected maximal working capacity, P < 0.05; 8.53 +/- 0.45 vs 9.92 +/- 0.59 mmol.l-1 at maximal working capacity, P < 0.05). Oxygen uptake increased significantly after DCA when compared with saline from 7.5 +/- 0.4 vs 7.4 +/- 0.5 to 27.2 +/- 1.5 vs 23.7 +/- 1.7 (P < 0.05) at anaerobic threshold and to 35.6 +/- 1.7 vs 30.5 +/- 1.0 ml.kg-1 min-1 (P < 0.05) at maximal exercise capacity. Following DCA infusion the workload at which the anaerobic threshold was reached was significantly higher (160 +/- 7 vs 120 +/- 5 W, P < 0.05) and the maximal working capacity was significantly increased (230 +/- 9 vs 209 +/- 8 W, P < 0.05). In summary, DCA reduced the increase of lactate levels during exercise and increased oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold and at maximal working capacity, which was significantly increased. These results warrant further studies on a potential therapeutic application of DCA in patients with reduced exercise capacity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) in patients with end-stage renal disease are not related to the size polymorphism of apolipoprotein(a).

Patients with terminal renal insufficiency suffer from an increased incidence of atherosclerotic diseases. Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been established as a genetically controlled risk factor for these diseases. Variable alleles at the apo(a) gene locus determine to a large extent the Lp(a) concentration in the general population. In addition, other genetic and nongenetic factors also contribute to the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). We therefore investigated Apo(a) phenotypes and Lp(a) plasma concentrations in a large group of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and in a control group. Lp(a) concentrations were significantly elevated in ESRD patients (20.1 +/- 20.3 mg/dl) as compared with the controls (12.1 +/- 15.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in apo(a) isoform frequency between the ESRD group and the controls. Interestingly, only patients with large size apo(a) isoforms exhibited two- to fourfold elevated levels of Lp(a), whereas the small-size isoforms had similar concentrations in ESRD patients and controls. Beside elevated Lp(a) concentrations, ESRD patients had lower levels of plasma cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. These results show that elevated Lp(a) plasma levels might significantly contribute to the risk for atherosclerotic diseases in ESRD. They further indicate that nongenetic factors related to renal insufficiency or other genes beside the apo(a) structural gene locus must be responsible for the high Lp(a) levels.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Clinical furcation diagnoses and interradicular bone defects.

The purpose of the present study was to assess associations between clinical depth of involved furcations and their bony defect depth. Twelve patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis in molars were recruited for clinical evaluation of furcation involvement by 6 dentists. Two groups of 3 dentists were assigned to the right or left half of the dentition. All dentists assessed the clinical depth of involvement of the furcations using the Ramfjord index (2 mm) in patients 1 through 6, and using the Hamp index (3 mm) in patients 7 through 12. Diagnoses were made with calibrated and uncalibrated Nabers 2 probes. After the clinical assessments the patients received full mouth scaling and root planing. After reevaluation the molars were surgically exposed. During surgery the depth of the bony furcation defects was assessed using horizontal probing and impressions. Clinically assessed depth of furcation involvement was then compared with the surgical measurements. A total of 1,180 clinical furcation diagnoses were available, of which 426 could be surgically evaluated using both the straight probe and the impressions. These evaluations were done in a total of 72 furcations using probe and impressions. For the Ramfjord index, 5% of the clinical degree 1, 40% of the degree 2, and 43% of the degree 3 readings were overestimations. For the Hamp index, 7% of degree 1, 24% of degree 2, and 0% of degree 3 readings were overestimations. These clinical diagnoses were overestimations. Forty-three percent of surgical degree 3 involvements were not recognized when using the Ramfjord index, and 27% when using the Hamp Index. These results suggest that furcation diagnosis is of limited validity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Time-related changes of in vivo projection errors in standardized radiographs.

Subtraction radiography requires radiographs made with identical projection geometry. Recently a new radiographic aiming device and an x-ray beam manipulator made it possible to repeat radiographic exposures in vivo with small angular errors and to measure the angular errors occurring. The purpose of the present investigation was to study in vivo the measuring error and the angular errors produced by this new method at different time points (0, 6, and 12 months) and to assess the effect of different time intervals between exposures (0, 6, and 12 months). Ten sites were investigated. At each time point 2 exposures were made, resulting in 6 radiographs per site. For each pair of radiographs the measuring errors occurring during analysis and the projection errors were determined for each time point and for each time interval. Friedman's test and t-test were used to evaluate the errors. A difference in the measuring error of the system and in the angular errors at the time points 0, 6, and 12 months could not be detected. A time interval between exposures also did not have an effect on the measuring error. Time did not affect the vertical and horizontal angular errors measured between the radiographs producing the smallest oblique error. A combination of radiographs producing the largest oblique angular error showed an increase of the horizontal and vertical angular errors when the time interval increases. These effects, however, were not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Endothelial control of cell migration and proliferation.

The vascular endothelium was found to be involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes and to act as a gating element in between cellular components of the blood and the adjacent tissue. In this respect, endothelial cells are especially important for the control of the extravasation of immune-competent cells and tumour cells and in tissue remodelling. These processes are guided by a network of intercellular recognition and transduction mechanisms in order to guarantee controlled, selective, target-directed action by extravasating cells and for complete functional remodelling of the adjacent tissue. Prostacyclin seems to play an important part in this endothelium-dependent intercellular crosstalk by modulating cell activation without altering the basal cellular mechanisms, as can be shown using stable prostacyclin mimetics, both in animal models and in cell culture.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[The circadian rhythm of the colloid osmotic pressure of the blood].

In 29 normotensive nonpregnant women, the circadian rhythm of the colloid-osmotic (oncotic) pressure (COP) was estimated. On average the COP was 25.3 mmHg (3.34 kPa). Around this value (= 100%) the daily oscillation was 13.5% with an interindividual variation of between 28.1 and 4.3%. A stable sinusoidal daily rhythm occurred with the lowest values in the night and the highest values in the afternoon. Changes in arterial blood pressure and of the permeability of capillaries depending on the time of day are discussed as the main reason for this circadian rhythm. For COP estimations in clinical routine proofs should be taken at about 8.00 a.m. since these values correspond most closely to the daily average.

Blood Physiological Phenomena↗