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Biomedical subjects

J Fischer

Publications and source records attributed to J Fischer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Pneumonia associated with Salmonella choleraesuis infection in swine: 99 cases (1987-1990).

Salmonella choleraesuis was isolated in pure or mixed bacterial cultures from 153 swine necropsied between Jan 1, 1987 and Dec 31, 1990. Pneumonia was seen in 99 of 109 swine from which this bacterium was isolated in the absence of other pathogenic bacteria. Pneumonia was seen more frequently than hepatitis, splenomegaly, or colitis. Pleuropneumonia that was grossly indistinguishable from the pleuropneumonia associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was seen in 29 of 99 swine from which S choleraesuis was the only bacterium isolated.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Low-dose (7.5 mg) oral methotrexate for chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Design of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with sample size benefits from a composite outcome variable including preliminary data on toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: To present a detailed description of (1) the study design of this ongoing trial, (2) advantages of using a composite outcome variable instead of multiple individual outcome measures, (3) treatment group characteristics at baseline, and (4) observed short-term methotrexate (MTX) toxicity. DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled intervention study. SETTING: Referral-based outpatient multidisciplinary multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic. PATIENTS: Participation offered to all clinically definite chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (CPMS) patients attending clinic ages 21 to 60, disease duration > 1 year, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.0 to 6.5 (ambulatory with moderate disability). Patients first stratified by EDSS 3.0 to 5.5 and 6.0 to 6.5, then randomized to MTX or placebo treatment. INTERVENTION: Weekly oral low-dose (7.5 mg) MTX or identical-appearing placebo for 2 years followed by a 1-year observation period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sample size calculations undertaken prior to enrolling patients based upon a composite outcome variable consisting of designated change in any of the following functional measures: (1) EDSS, (2) Ambulation Index (AI), (3) Box and Block Test (BBT), and (4) 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT). RESULTS: (1) Treatment group characteristics were comparable at baseline, (2) no patient has been withdrawn for adverse effects or lost to follow-up, (3) no significant short-term MTX toxicity has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The use of a composite outcome measure in the design of MS clinical trials is a promising alternative to multiple individual outcome measures that are relatively insensitive to detecting clinical change, (2) low-dose oral weekly MTX does not appear to be associated with significant short-term toxicity in CPMS. Conclusions regarding therapeutic efficacy of MTX in MS must await completion of this clinical trial.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Acute fatty liver of pregnancy--differential diagnosis and supportive therapy].

A case of clinically diagnosed acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is reported. Hypoglycemia and coagulopathy were predominant in the clinical course. Serial studies on blood chemistry, especially blood glucose and coagulation parameters, in association with virus serology and ultrasound, can rule out common causes of jaundice in pregnancy. This contributes to reliability of the clinical diagnosis of AFLP in the absence of liver biopsy, and ensures adequate management of the patient.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

Enteric Clostridium perfringens infection associated with parvoviral enteritis in dogs: 74 cases (1987-1990).

Parvovirus infection was confirmed by fluorescent antibody staining of or viral isolation from specimens of small intestine in 181 (17%) of 1,110 dogs necropsied between July 1, 1987 and Dec 31, 1990. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from 74 (69%) of 108 dogs with parvovirus infection from which specimens of jejunum also had been obtained for culture of anaerobic bacteria. Gram-positive bacilli in association with focal to diffuse necrosis of the superficial portions of the villi were observed in histologic sections of specimens of small intestine from 56 (98%) of 57 dogs from which parvovirus and C perfringens had been identified. These findings indicate that C perfringens frequently proliferates in dogs with parvovirus infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Mechanism of chlorpromazine binding by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Chlorpromazine forms charge-transfer complexes with xanthene dyes in bacteria. These complexes permit the differentiation of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in both light and polarization microscopy. The birefringence induced by the charge-transfer complex might explain the molecular basis of bacterial staining. The charge-transfer complexes formed between chlorpromazine and xanthene dyes accumulate in the bacterial cell, mainly inside the bacterial cell wall. The complexes give the cells a color, which depends on the chemical composition of the staining structure, and in particular the polysaccharides of the cell wall in bacteria. Metachromatic granules were seen inside Gram-positive bacteria after chlorpromazine and rose bengal staining. Although the nature of these granules remains unclear, this type of binding may have a role in the inhibition of biochemical processes in the bacterial cells.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1992

Soybean lectin binding neurons in the visual cortex of the rat contain parvalbumin and are covered by glial nets.

We carried out qualitative and quantitative studies on the distribution of soybean agglutinin-labelled cells in the visual cortex of the rat. Lectin-positive nerve cells mostly showed the morphological characteristics of small and large multipolar basket cells. Only a few cells appeared to be bipolar with a vertical or horizontal orientation. By light microscopy, soybean agglutinin binding sites were seen as discontinuous, punctate perineuronal staining (or pericellular nets) on the surface of about 9% of cortical neurons. Lectin-positive cells were predominantly localized in layers IV and V (16.9 and 12.4% of all neurons), where the intensity of staining was also the strongest. Combining lectin- and immunohistochemistry on cryo semithin sections, lectin-positive cells were shown to contain parvalbumin. Nerve cells in the visual cortex containing the related calcium binding-proteins, calbindin or calretinin were never soybean agglutinin-positive. Some glial cells and their processes were also soybean agglutinin-positive. The structure of the soybean agglutinin-positive pericellular nets was similar to that of glial nets visualized with the Golgi-method. Electron microscopy revealed that lectin binding sites were localized on the membranes and cytoplasm of glial processes ensheathing the axon terminals that impinged upon neurons and their proximal dendrites. Synaptic clefts and axon terminals were never reactive, thus explaining the discontinuous punctate labelling of the neuronal surface. Lectin binding sites were also found on the trans-face of the Golgi-complex of some lectin positive neurons suggesting that N-acetylgalactosamine-containing glycoconjugates, which are selectively detected by the lectin, are synthesized, at least partly, within the labelled neurons. We therefore consider possible the existence of specific interactions between parvalbumin positive basket cells and the glial network surrounding them, by which the neuron may determine the conditions of its own microenvironment.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Unusual primary prostatic malignancies.

Atypical prostatic cancer is defined as any malignancy of prostatic origin, excluding the common acinar prostatic adenocarcinoma. These atypical prostate cancers account for less than 5 percent of all prostatic malignancies. Because atypical prostatic malignancies occur rarely, little is known about their biologic behavior. To date, no large series of patients have been reported, and specific treatment protocols have yet to be defined. Herein we describe 5 new cases of atypical prostatic cancer. By reporting the occurrence of new cases, we believe a better understanding of the natural history of these lesions will emerge.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗
PubMed1992

Characterization of bone forming cells in posttraumatic myositis ossificans by lectins.

Lectins were used to characterize bone forming cells in posttraumatic myositis ossificans. The lectins applied were as follows: Arachis hypogaea (PNA): specific for beta-D-galactose (1,3)N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (Gal-1,3 GalNac), Canavalia ensiformis (Con A): specific for alpha-D-glucose (D-Glc) and alpha-D-mannose (D-Man) and Wheat germ (WGA): specific for N-acetyl(1,4)D-glucosamine (Glc-NaC) and neuraminic acid. The development of myositis ossificans was characterized by the appearance of a WGA binding cell population. The lectin-binding sites appeared as a cluster in the supranuclear cytoplasm, corresponding to the Golgi-complex. However, the WGA lectin-binding sites disappeared in the mature form of myositis ossificans. We assume that these lectin binding cells may be the bone marrow derived precursors of myofibroblast-like cells which are responsible for bone formation within the damaged muscle.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Combined retrograde-antegrade ureteral stent passage: salvage procedure for a ureteral leak.

The authors describe a stent placement procedure for treatment of an infected ureteral leak after failure of traditional antegrade and retrograde approaches. In this procedure, a guide wire was placed across the distal ureteral segment into a urinoma with use of cystoscopic guidance. Thereafter, an antegrade approach was used to pass a wire loop snare, capture the guide wire, and withdraw it through the proximal ureter for subsequent stent passage. This approach allowed percutaneous stabilization of a ureteral leak in a patient who would have otherwise required immediate surgical repair.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Fatal course of peracute fatty liver of pregnancy].

A fatal case of acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is reported. After admission, the patient was delivered within 3 hours. Routine laboratory investigation revealed acute liver insufficiency with advanced coagulopathy. Despite substitution therapy, the severe coagulation defect progressed to lethal intracerebral bleeding. Advanced AFLP can only be satisfactorily diagnosed in time, if non-specific symptoms or icterus lead to studies of blood chemistry, especially liver function tests, coagulation parameters (including platelet count, fibrinogen, AT III), blood glucose and renal function (including uric acid). This will enable an adequate management of the patient. The clinical problem of AFLP still remains that of early diagnosis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Incidence and type of premenstrual symptoms in relation to experienced infertility: a comparative study].

Using the symptomatological criteria of "Late Luteal Dysphoric Disorder" according to DSM-III-R, the frequency and type of premenstrual symptoms were investigated in a group of 405 infertile women (participants in an in-vitro-fertilisation programme at the University of Bonn) and a control group of 101 female medical students. 84% of both groups of women reported premenstrual psychological and/or physical changes. 52% of the infertile patients and 42% of the students fulfilled the symptomatological criteria of late luteal dysphoric disorder. Comparing both groups, it was found, that infertile women reported significantly more often mood lability, anger/irritability, anxiety/tension and loss of interest.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Percutaneous lumbar thermal sympathectomy: method, indications and results].

Thermal lumbar sympathectomy has been the method of choice since the 'eighties in the treatment of reflex dystrophy. We are using this method since January 1990. First results are presented and critically analysed. 15 patients who underwent thermal lumbar sympathectomy were examined and interviewed 1 year after treatment. 7 patients reported persisting pain relief, while the remaining 8 did not.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Rearrangement of upstream regulatory elements leads to ectopic expression of the Drosophila mulleri Adh-2 gene.

The Adh-2 gene of Drosophila mulleri is expressed in the larval fat body and the adult fat body and hindgut, and a 1500-bp element located 2-3 kb upstream of the Adh-2 promoter is necessary for maximal levels of transcription. Previous work demonstrated that deletion of sequences between this upstream element and the Adh-2 promoter results in Adh-2 gene expression in a novel larval tissue, the middle midgut. In this study we show that the upstream element possesses all of the characteristics of a transcriptional enhancer: its activity is independent of orientation, it acts on a heterologous promoter, and it functions at various positions both 5' and 3' to the Adh-2 gene. Full enhancer function can be localized to a 750-bp element, although other regions possess some redundant activity. The ectopic expression pattern is dependent on the proximity of at least two sequence elements. Thus, tissue-specific transcription can involve complex proximity-dependent interactions among combinations of regulatory elements.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Increased number of alveolar macrophages expressing adhesion molecules of the leukocyte adhesion molecule family in smoking subjects. Association with cell-binding ability and superoxide anion production.

This study was designed to investigate whether the expression and functional properties of leukocyte adhesion molecules (LeuCAM; CD11/CD18) are altered in human alveolar macrophages (AM) from smokers. Cells were obtained from 38 smokers (S) and 27 nonsmokers (NS) by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Expression of LeuCAM on freshly isolated cells was studied using a sensitive peroxidase-antiperoxidase method with monoclonal antibodies (mAB) against CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, and CD18. The functional properties of the adhesion molecules were studied by measuring in vitro the binding of AM to the intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on human umbilical-vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The influence of LeuCAM on the increased superoxide anion production (O2-) of smoker AM was quantified after blocking the CD18 molecule by a mAB. Compared with nonsmoker AM, significantly more AM from smokers expressed CD11b (p < 0.001), CD11c (p < 0.001), CD18 (p < 0.001), and CD11a (p < 0.004), whereas there was no difference in the expression of other common epitopes of human macrophages such as CD68, CD71, CD45, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DR. The number of AM expressing CD11a, CD11c, and CD18 showed a correlation to the total number of AM obtained by BAL (p < 0.001). Adherence of AM to HUVEC was higher for smoker than for nonsmoker AM (p < 0.05). The increased binding of smoker AM to endothelial cells could be inhibited by treating the HUVEC with a mAB against ICAM-1. The mAB anti-CD18 reduced O2- release from smoker AM by 42 +/- 5% after 120 min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[The microstructure of leucite-reinforced glass ceramics].

The dentine materials of the metal ceramic systems VMK 68 and Biodent as well as the ceramics of all ceramic systems Duceram, Cosmotech, Optec, IPS-Empress and Corum were tested for their leucite content. The structure analysed in the scanning electron microscope showed leucite in the dendritic and idiomorphic form. X-ray diffraction analyses verified the leucite content in metal ceramic systems and ceramics of the nonbonded systems. Comparing the metal ceramic systems with the nonbonded systems, an increase in leucite content was observed in the nonbonded systems.

Aluminum Silicates↗