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Biomedical subjects

H Ludwig

Publications and source records attributed to H Ludwig.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower vertebral column in patients with multiple myeloma.

Eighteen patients with multiple myeloma (clinical stages 1-3) and a control group of 21 persons underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. This was done to determine the potential benefit of MRI in addition to conventional radiographs, tomograms, computed tomography and nuclear scans. In addition to focal fatty replacement of normal hematopoietic marrow, which presented as focal hyperintense lesions on T1-weighted images (T1-WI) and on T2-weighted images (T2-WI), two types of myelomatous lesions were found: (1) focal areas with reduced signal intensity when compared with normal bone marrow on T1-WI and enhanced signal intensity on T2-WI, mainly found in untreated myelomas; and (2) focal areas of decreased signal intensity on T1-WI and on T2-WI, which were predominantly detected after previous radiation therapy. MRI surpassed conventional radiography in detecting abnormal focal marrow infiltration in 41 of 247 vertebrae. Radiographs identified only 11 of the 41 as pathologic, based on shape and structure of the vertebral bodies; however, 15 other collapsed vertebrae showed no signal abnormalities of the marrow on MR images. Discrimination of normals and abnormals by statistical analysis of intensity measurements of the bone marrow was not possible.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Monoclonal antibodies against herpes simplex virus type 1-infected nuclei defining and localizing the ICP8 protein, 65K DNA-binding protein and polypeptides of the ICP35 family.

The production and properties of monoclonal antibodies raised against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-infected cell nuclei are described. Biological and immunochemical assays revealed that these antibodies recognize four different proteins in HSV-1-infected cells. Four antibodies reacted with the major DNA-binding protein (ICP8) and six with the 65K DNA-binding protein. Two antibodies detected the ICP35 family of proteins and one antibody bound to a protein with an apparent mol. wt. of 60K. Immune electron microscopy showed that the major DNA-binding protein had a patchy distribution, whereas the 65K DNA-binding protein was evenly spread in the infected cell nuclei. The 60K protein as well as the polypeptides of the ICP35 family were preferentially found associated with the viral capsid.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Specificity of cleavage in replicative-form DNA of bovine herpesvirus 1.

The linear double-stranded DNA genome of herpesvirus as it is present in infectious virions needs to be circularized after infection of host cells and before DNA replication. Replicative-form genomes have to be cleaved into linear unit-length molecules during virion maturation and are most probably the substrate for inversion of the short segment relative to the long segment of the bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) genome. Those regions of the BHV-1 genome which are functionally involved in these processes have been analyzed at the molecular level by cloning and sequencing the genomic termini, the fusion of both termini from replicative-form molecules, and the junction between the short and the long genome segment. On the basis of the simple genome arrangement of BHV-1, it was inferable that the cleavage of replicative-form genomes by a hypothetical BHV-1 terminase activity may be specified by a sequence at the left end of UL (An element), which is located proximal to a reiterated beta element that makes up the cleavage site itself. The relationship of those elements in BHV-1 and the comparison to similar regions of other herpesviruses indicate consensus sequence elements which are functionally important for cleavage and isomerization of viral DNA during maturation of virions.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Interferon therapy in multiple myeloma].

Natural leukocyte interferon and recombinant interferon alpha-2 have effected remission rates between 10 and 20% in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Response rates have been higher in untreated patients than in relapsing or primarily refractory cases. Patients with slowly proliferating tumors, early tumor stage or IgA-monoclonal protein seem to show increased sensibility to interferon as compared to patients without those characteristics. First trials using combined interferon chemotherapy regimens suggest that the toxicity associated with this treatment modality remains acceptable. At present, however, one cannot definitely decide whether and to which degree the combination therapy will improve the response rates.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1988

[Chemotherapy of advanced pancreatic cancer with 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and high-dose methotrexate].

The aim of the present phase II clinical trial was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and tolerance of a combination chemotherapeutic protocol consisting of 4-weekly intervals of 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and high-dose methotrexate (FAMeth-regimen) in patients with advanced measurable pancreatic cancer. After a median treatment duration of 4 (2-12) months, one complete and one partial response were achieved in the 13 evaluable patients. Two additional patients had evidence of objective tumour regression, although response was less than 50% of pretreatment tumor measurements. Stable disease was noted in 3 patients, and the tumour progressed in 6. The median survival of all evaluable patients from start of therapy is 7 (2-17) months. Side-effects associated with FAMeth-chemotherapy were generally mild and reversible and primarily included gastrointestinal symptoms (38%) and leukopenia (62%). There was 1 treatment related death due to pancytopenia and sepsis. Our preliminary data suggest some antitumour activity of the regimen against pancreatic cancer, although final assessment of therapeutic results must await accrural of additional patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine in multiple myeloma.

The lower thoracic and lumbar spine of patients with multiple myeloma was examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plain radiography, and bone scintigraphy. Three independent investigators evaluated the power of these diagnostic methods to detect bone lesions in 192 vertebrae from 18 patients and in 60 vertebrae from 7 controls. 41 foci with abnormal signal intensity were detected by MRI; X-ray films showed osteolytic lesions in 4 vertebral bodies; and bone scanning was positive in 2 cases. The superiority of MRI in detecting myeloma-associated focal bone lesions was statistically significant, and in one case the lesions were confirmed at necropsy. Deviations in shape and height of vertebral bodies were slightly more easily visible on radiographs. Early detection of imminent medullary compressions in 2 patients led to successful radiotherapy before symptoms appeared.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Interferon-alfa corrects thrombocytosis in patients with myeloproliferative disorders.

During previous therapeutic trials with interferon, decreased levels of peripheral platelet counts have been observed. Taking advantage of this effect, we investigated the efficacy of recombinant interferon (rec-IFN) in the treatment of thrombocytosis in myeloproliferative diseases. A total of 15 patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, or chronic myeloid leukemia received rec-IFN-alfa at initial doses of 25-70 x 10(6) units/week; maintenance therapy following week 8 of treatment consisted of 20-35 x 10(6) units/week rec-IFN. Observation periods ranged from 24 to 48 weeks. Significant reductions in the number of platelets were noted in all cases; 12/15 patients achieved platelet counts below 440 x 10(9)/l and maintained those normal values for at least 4 weeks. The number of bone marrow megakaryocytes, which had been increased prior to treatment, diminished during rec-IFN therapy, while the previously shortened platelet half-life further decreased with rec-IFN treatment. During rec-IFN-induced remission, the plasma levels of platelet factors, the activity of natural killer cells, and platelet aggregation showed changes between slight improvement and normal values. Severe side effects were only observed with the highest rec-IFN doses; dosage adjustments were effective in improving or eliminating all treatment-related symptoms. Rec-IFN may prove to be a valuable therapeutic alternative to cytostatic treatment of thrombocytosis in myeloproliferative disorders.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

VAD protocol for treatment of advanced refractory multiple myeloma.

Twenty-three patients with advanced refractory multiple myeloma were treated with a combination chemotherapeutic regimen consisting of four-day continuous infusion of vincristine and doxorubicin plus intermittent high-dose dexamethasone (VAD). All patients included in the study were heavily pretreated with cytostatics and radiotherapeutic measures, and generally presented in poor general condition. In 3 of the 16 evaluable patients (18%) a response, and in 7 patients (44%) an improvement as defined by a reduction in tumor mass by more than 50% was achieved. Six patients had progressive disease. Evaluation of survival for responders (15 mos) versus non-responders (2 mos) by the landmark method seems to confirm the relative therapeutic efficacy of the VAD protocol in refractory multiple myeloma. The somewhat inferior response rate as well as the occurrence of considerable toxicity in several cases (when compared to the recent M. D. Anderson trial) may be related to differences in clinical features and pretreatment status of the two studies' population.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1987

Inhibition of fibroblast proliferation in a culture of human endometrial stromal cells using a medium containing D-valine.

A nutrient medium in which D-valine was substituted for L-valine inhibited fibroblast proliferation in a culture of human endometrial stromal cells. Fibroblasts were not killed by D-valine and were able to grow again when D-valine was replaced by L-valine. The stromal cells proliferate in the D-valine medium only when seeded at high density. They were distinguished from fibroblasts by their morphology in light microscopy, their surface characteristics at scanning electron microscopy and their lower staining with fibronectin antibodies.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1987

Identification of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) secreting cells and other cell types using antibody to HCG and a new monoclonal antibody (mABlu-5) in cultures of human placental villi.

We have identified cells which secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) of cultures if first trimester placental villi. As a first step, we identified epithelial cells using a new monoclonal antibody. We then added HCG antibodies to the cultured cells. We found that syncytiotrophoblast (and not cytotrophoblast), Hofbauer cells and some mesenchymal cells stained with HCG antibodies.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗