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Biomedical subjects

J Behr

Publications and source records attributed to J Behr.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

[Functional forms of prolapse].

234 women were examined via microtransducers both with 100 ml bladder contents in recumbent position and with 300 ml bladder contents in seated position. The types of prolapse or descensus were categorised after modification according to Green. The quotient from the maximal urethral occlusion pressure at rest recorded with 300 ml bladder filling in seated position and 100 ml bladder filling in recumbent position (known as pressure quotient at rest) showed changes dependent on the type of prolapse (Type I: less than or equal to 1, Type II: less than 1, Type III: greater than 1 (n.s.), Type IV: greater than 1). These functional changes can be explained by the stress-dependent dynamics of each individual form of prolapse. An additional combined form was described (Type III) which was found to be a special form both anatomically and functionally.

Female↗
PubMed1989

Carbamazepine-induced tics.

Although a variety of dyskinesias are known to develop during anticonvulsant therapy, carbamazepine-induced tics are rarely recognized. We report three patients with an underlying movement disorder (Huntington's disease, tardive dyskinesia, and Tourette's syndrome) who experienced the onset or exacerbation of tics after the introduction of carbamazepine. These cases confirm the phenomenon of carbamazepine-induced tics and suggest that basal ganglia neuropathology may be an important predisposing factor. The dopaminergic effects of carbamazepine may be responsible for the induction of tics.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Involvement of protein kinase C in signal transduction during fibroblast chemotaxis to platelet-derived growth factor and a fragment of fibronectin.

The involvement of protein kinase C in chemotaxis of normal dermal fibroblasts to a mitogenic and a non-mitogenic attractant was investigated. Neomycin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositide metabolism, H7, staurosporine, and sphingosine, inhibitors of protein kinase C, as well as amiloride, an inhibitor of the Na+/H+-antiport, all abrogated chemotaxis of fibroblasts to platelet-derived growth factor and to a chemotactically active fragment of fibronectin. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester likewise diminished the capacity of fibroblasts to move directionally to these attractants. Therefore, all three of these signal transduction steps are required for the chemotactic response of this type of cells.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1988

Transient tic disorder and the spectrum of Tourette's syndrome.

Transient tic disorder (TTD) has not generally been considered part of the spectrum of Tourette's syndrome (TS). We studied a large kindred affected by TS and identified two family members with TTD who are very likely obligate carriers of the TS gene. Our observations indicate that TTD is a possible expression of the TS gene and that individuals with TTD may transmit TS to their offspring.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Humidifier lung and humidifier fever.

The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical diagnoses in symptomatic persons exposed to aerosols from humidifiers or air conditioners. In addition, we tried to identify the causative antigens. Results of clinical investigations, including inhalation challenge tests, demonstrated a typical hypersensitivity pneumonitis (humidifier lung) in 9 persons and isolated systemic symptoms without significant changes in lung function and chest x-rays (humidifier fever) in 3 persons. Microbiological studies revealed a variety of fungi and bacteria in the water supplies of humidifiers and air conditioners at patients' workplaces. The detection of 4 members of the order Sphaeropsidales (Deuteromycotina), not previously associated with humidifier-induced diseases, is of special interest. By means of an improved polystyrene tube-immunoradiometric assay, high concentrations of IgG antibodies against extracts prepared from water of patients' humidifier systems were found in all cases. In addition, patients demonstrated low concentrations of IgG antibodies against thermophilic Actinomycetes, and usually also against various fungi, such as Alternaria tenuis, Aureobasidium pullulans, Penicillium notatum, Aspergilli, and fungi of the order Sphaeropsidales, which were isolated and cultured from humidifier water supplies. The much higher concentrations of antibodies against humidifier/air conditioner water extracts seem to result from sensitization to a variety of antigens from different fungi and bacteria. For in vivo and in vitro diagnostic tests in humidifier-induced lung diseases, we especially recommend using extracts from water systems installed at the corresponding workplaces.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[The so-called resting pressure quotient--the urodynamic equivalent of clinical pelvic floor insufficiency].

The maximum urethral closure pressure ratio (UCPR) was checked in 370 patients by making recordings with 300 ml in the bladder in the sitting position and 100 ml in the supine position. The result was either an increase or a decrease in the UCPR in the 300 ml profile as compared to the 100 ml profile. The "resting pressure quotient" was judged to be positive in the former case and negative in the latter. The resting pressure quotient was found to be dependent on the subjective degree of incontinence: negative resting pressure quotients became more frequent as the degree of incontinence increased, and positive quotients decreased correspondingly. The probability was found to be more than 99.7% that there was a difference in frequency distribution between the group of 138 continent or minimally stress-incontinent patients and the 232 manifestly stress-incontinent women. The resting pressure quotient described here is the measured equivalent of the clinically diagnosed pelvic floor insufficiency. If the stress pressure profile is difficult to evaluate, this quotient can be taken into account in the urodynamic diagnosis. Negative closure pressure quotients suggest urethral incontinence.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Severity of Tourette's syndrome in one large kindred. Implication for determination of disease prevalence rate.

An accurate prevalence rate for Tourette's syndrome (TS) has not been established. To assess severity of illness, a potential source of bias in determining prevalence rate, we administered standardized questionnaires and examinations to 159 members of a large Mennonite kindred showing apparent autosomal dominant transmission of motor and vocal tics (TS) or chronic motor tics (CMTs). Fifty-four family members were diagnosed as having definite or probable TS or CMTs. For these 54 subjects, 30% (n = 16) were unaware of tics noted by the examiners and only 18.5% (n = 10) had sought medical care. Our findings suggest that most cases of TS and CMTs are mild and do not come to medical attention. These tic disorders are probably much more prevalent than generally appreciated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Familial paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis: a family study.

We interviewed and examined 12 members of a single family affected by paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis. Three subjects experienced characteristic painful dystonic spasms, often precipitated by cold and prolonged physical activity. Three other family members suffered painful cramping of their limbs, without involuntary movement, following physical exertion. Based on the clinical features of affected subjects, we suggest that exertional cramping may represent a "forme fruste" of paroxysmal dystonia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Hereditary myoclonus and chorea: the spectrum of hereditary nonprogressive hyperkinetic movement disorders.

We report three members of a single family who developed a newly described combination of myoclonus and chorea in association with mild ataxia. The occurrence of this and related syndromes suggests that inherited, slowly progressive myoclonus, chorea, and dystonia, alone or in combination, should be viewed as a spectrum of hyperkinetic involuntary movements, and that each motor component may represent variable expression of the same genetic defect.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Interpretation of the stress pressure profile in the diagnosis of female stress incontinence].

In 94 stress pressure profiles the electronically measured occlusion pressure under stress with a bladder filling of 100 ml in dorsosacral position and 300 ml in sitting position was compared with the computed value in the proximal and medial thirds of the urethra. Electronic measurement furnishes low, statistically confirmed occlusion pressure values. With a bladder filling of 300 ml in sitting position, urodynamic assessment of incontinence on the basis of the electronic occlusion pressure furnishes corresponding findings in over 70% of patients, while the extent of agreement with the computed values seems unsatisfactory. In stress pressure profiles, in accordance with clinical considerations and radiological studies, the proximal urethra should also be assessed as the first portion of the continence-preserving zones. The occlusion pressure, electronically measured under routine conditions, is the parameter which furnishes the most information for the urodynamic diagnosis of stress incontinence.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Sodium transport across the red cell membrane and pathogenesis of essential hypertension: perspectives.

The possible roles of an acceleration of Na+-Li+ exchange and an alteration of Na+-K+ cotransport in the pathogenesis of hypertension are ascertained. Evidence is presented to indicate that the red cell Na+-Li+ exchange activity is goverened not only by genetic factors but also by plasma constituents that can vary in vivo. Of particular importance are the plasma K+ concentration and the plasma lipid composition. Red cell Na+-Li+ exchange activities increase with increasing saturation of the fatty acids in the membrane. An unifying hypothesis is proposed linking the primary change in plasma lipids to a secondary change of the lipid composition of cell membranes, resulting in alterations of lipo-protein interactions within the membrane and thereby in alterations of Na+ (and Ca2+) transport in several tissues, including erythrocytes. Such a mechanism could be responsible for development of high blood pressure in a subgroup of essential hypertensive patients that is characterized by a specific alteration in plasma lipid composition the precise nature of which remains to be investigated.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

[Urodynamic observations on the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation].

Urodynamic tests and clinical and anamnestic assessments of continence were carried out in 47 patients before and after the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation. The operation resulted in a subjective cure in 35 (74.5%) of the patients; 12 women were again incontinent within a period of between 6 and 24 months. There was an insignificant postoperative rise in urethral occlusion pressure at rest. It was only possible to ensure an elongation of the urethra in the resting pressure curve. The urethral occlusion pressure at rest in patients with recurrent incontinence was considerably lower preoperatively than in postoperatively continent patients. Hence, high urethral occlusion pressure at rest signifies a good surgical prognosis. In the stress pressure curve, surgery improved the transmission factor, the depression factor, and the urethral occlusion pressure under stress. However, no clear surgical prognosis was possible on the basis of these parameters. The best postoperative results for the transmission and depression factors and the urethral occlusion pressure under stress were obtained in the stress pressure curve at 300 ml with the patient in seated position. On comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements, improvements in pressure transmission and in urethral occlusion pressure under stress were seen in particular in the proximal one-third of the urethra. Hence, the question arises whether the proximal one-third of the urethra is as important as the medial one-third in stress incontinence diagnosis by measurement.

Female↗
PubMed1986

Effects of potassium loading in normal man on dopaminergic control of mineralocorticoids and renin release.

The interacting effects of potassium with the dopaminergic control of mineralocorticoid release were evaluated in normal man. Sixteen male healthy volunteers [27 +/- 6 (s.d.) years] on a 200 mmol sodium (Na+) and 60 mmol potassium (K+) diet (control) received a K+ load of 200 mmol/day for 6 days (high-K+ diet). Basal plasma aldosterone and 18-OH-corticosterone (18-OH-B) levels were significantly increased after 6 days of the high-K+ diet, whereas basal levels of 18-OH-deoxycorticosterone (18-OH-DOC) and corticosterone remained unchanged. Fifteen minutes after 10 mg i.v. of the dopaminergic antagonist, metoclopramide, a significant increase was only obtained for basal plasma aldosterone and 18-OH-B levels. The absolute rise of aldosterone and 18-OH-B induced by metoclopramide was greater (P less than 0.01) after K+ supplementation. However, the relative increase of these hormones was similar before and after K+ loading. Basal plasma renin activity increased significantly under high-K+ diet. The results indicate that K+ homeostasis must be taken into account when estimating absolute response of aldosterone and 18-OH-B to dopaminergic antagonism.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Familial Tourette's syndrome: report of a large pedigree and potential for linkage analysis.

We studied a large Mennonite kindred affected by chronic motor tics (CMTs) and vocal tics in a probable autosomal dominant pattern. We administered a standardized questionnaire to 69 family members and reviewed our videotapes of 47. Using DSM III criteria and independent ratings, we diagnosed 10 subjects as having definite Tourette's syndrome (TS), 3 with definite CMTs, 15 with probable TS, and 1 with probable CMT. The clinical features of this family are presented. This is the largest known kindred with TS. Permanent lymphoblastoid cell lines have been established from 67 family members for genetic linkage analysis.

Adolescent↗