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Biomedical subjects

J Frick

Publications and source records attributed to J Frick.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Traumatic rupture of corpus cavernosum.

Fracture of the corpus cavernosum occurs when one or both corpora are ruptured usually during sexual intercourse and less often owing to blunt trauma. The injury may be associated with an urethral lesion and is easy to recognize; the treatment, however, remains controversial. 7/8 patients had primary or secondary surgical therapy, 1/8 was treated by conservative measures. The results after surgery were very satisfactory, with no immediate perioperative or postoperative complications. The success rate of the surgical management corresponds to a high degree with reports from the literature (complication rate is less than 10%). Based on literature review, conservative treatment is associated with a 25-30% complication rate. Early surgical repair might be the treatment of choice for rupture of the corpus cavernosum with and/or without concomitant lesion of the urethra.

Abscess↗

The value of urinary neopterin as an immunological parameter in patients with malignant tumors of the genitourinary tract.

In 153 patients with verified neoplasias of the genitourinary tract, urinary neopterin excretion was monitored under different conditions. As control, urinary neopterin values were taken from 208 male and 209 female volunteers. Neopterin excretion was measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Patients with early tumor stages, both with bladder tumor and carcinoma of the prostate, presented almost normal urinary neopterin levels. The difference of urinary neopterin excretion between low and high stages in bladder tumor (T0-1 versus T2-4) as well in carcinoma of the prostate (stage A-B versus stage C-D) is highly significant (p less than 0.001). In the group of patients with renal cell carcinoma we could not find any correlation between tumor stage and neopterin excretion. The basal urinary neopterin values in patients with testicle tumors were as follows: 1 of 6 patients stage-I seminomatous tumors and 2 of 4 patients with stage-I non-seminomatous tumors demonstrated elevated neopterin levels. In the higher stages all patients, in both groups, exhibited pathologically increased neopterin excretion. During therapy and follow-up: all 24 stage-I (seminomatous and non-seminomatous tumors) patients showed normal neopterin levels: 1 of 3 stage-II (non-seminomatous tumors) patients and all 5 stage-IV (seminomatous and non-seminomatous tumors) patients had elevated urinary neopterin excretion. Our experience suggests that neopterin measurements may supplement laboratory examinations in patients with malignant tumor diseases of the genitourinary tract, providing meaningful information in regard to early detection of tumor progression, tumor recurrence and follow-up.

Adolescent↗

Effect of gossypol on bull spermatozoa in vitro.

Gossypol acetic acid in a concentration of 1,000 microgram/ml solvent is able to immobilize 1 ml of native bull semen (sperm concentration: 8.5 X 10(8)/ml; motility rate: 87.4%) within 30 min. After GAA treatment the spermatozoa show severe morphological damage on the membrane system, on the acrosomal complex and on the tubular complex of the end piece. The working mechanism of GAA can be assumed to be inactivation of enzyme activities or in direct reactions with plasma membrane material.

Animals↗

In vivo study of LDH isoenzyme activities in heart, liver and testis cytosols of gossypol-treated rats.

LDH isoenzyme activities of heart, liver and testis homogenates were measured in rats treated for 15 or 30 days with 30 mg gossypol acetic acid/kg body weight daily, a dose which severely suppressed sperm motility. No differences in LDH activities of the examined organs were found in comparison with control animals. LDH-X, the main LDH isoenzyme in spermatozoa and testicular germ cells from primary spermatocytes onwards was also unaffected. These results contrast with in vitro experiments on human, rabbit, and boar spermatozoa, purified bovine LDH-X and rat testis homogenate which show dose-dependent inhibition of LDH-X after incubation with gossypol. Our results therefore suggest that inhibition of LDH by gossypol is not the primary cause of sperm immotility.

Animals↗

Successful treatment of meningeal leukemia using systemic high-dose cytosine arabinoside.

Conventional therapy for leukemic meningitis includes cranial irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy administered by repeated lumbar punctures or direct intraventricular instillation via an Ommaya reservoir. Several clinical reports have indicated that high doses of cytosine arabinoside (ara-C) are effective in the treatment of acute leukemia refractory to standard induction therapy. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that high doses of ara-C given intravenously obtain sustained therapeutic drug concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that this approach may be useful in the treatment of systemic disease associated with meningeal involvement. Five consecutive patients with overt meningeal leukemia were treated using only systemic chemotherapy containing high-dose ara-C. In all patients there was prompt resolution of neurologic symptoms and signs accompanied by cytologic clearing of leukemic cells from the cerebrospinal fluid.

Acute Disease↗

Human testicular androgen-binding protein shares immunodeterminants with serum testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin.

In the human, there are two glycoproteins, testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (hTeBG) and androgen-binding protein (hABP), which bind testosterone. Although these two proteins have similar physicochemical properties, they can be distinguished on the basis of origin and lectin binding. hTeBG is made in the liver and exhibits high affinity for Concanavalin A (Con A), while hABP from the testes is only partially bound to this lectin. That is, when testicular extracts were applied to Con A-Sepharose columns, a portion of the testosterone-binding material showed no interaction with the lectin and eluted in the void volume (peak I), while the remainder interacted strongly and could be eluted with alpha-methyl-D-glucoside (peak II). These observations are consistent with the proposal that peak I contains only hABP, whereas peak II contains hTeBG and/or hABP with carbohydrate units that permit binding to Con A. To further study the properties of these binding proteins, a hTeBG RIA using a monospecific antiserum was employed to compare the proteins in testes and serum. The results indicated that the testosterone-binding activities in peaks I and II of testicular extracts could not be distinguished immunologically from hTeBG in sera of normal women. These findings suggested that hTeBG and hABP share common epitopes. We next determined whether hABP was secreted into the blood or amniotic fluid by fractionating these fluids in Con A-Sepharose columns. Unlike testicular extracts, male serum and amniotic fluid contained single immunoreactive and steroid-binding species which bound specifically to Con A. We conclude from these observations that hABP (peak I), peak II activity, and hTeBG have common immunodeterminants and that if hABP is secreted into the blood of men, then its carbohydrate chains bind to Con A, making it indistinguishable from hTeBG under these conditions.

Adult↗

Operations on previously operated patients with hypospadias.

The therapy of severe degrees of hypospadias is exclusively surgical. A great number of different methods have been described; nevertheless, only a few techniques have proved successful. Between 1976 and 1980 21 children with various forms of hypospadias were admitted to our department for primary operation. Nineteen of these 21 children had to have a straightening operation. In 2 children a more pronounced glans defect was corrected in one session by Ombrédanne's method. During the same period 9 patients were admitted for secondary corrections, having been operated on elsewhere for hypospadias. In two patients aged 6 and 7 years respectively, several fistulae had to be closed. In 7 patients a complete secondary correction had to be performed in at least two sessions. The average age of these 7 patients was 19,4 years at the time of the secondary operation. Secondary corrections are also indicated in cases of multiple fistulae, of unremedied chordee, underdevelopment or an abnormal position of the penis, in cases of strictures in the area of the reconstructed urethra, and, finally, in cases with hairball stones due to hair formations on the skin. The fistulae following the reconstruction of the urethra are closed using sliding grafts from the penis or penoscrotal skin. In extensive fistulae, as well as pronounced strictures of the reconstructed urethra, a complete Johansson (1953) procedure is necessary. In large secondary corrections, there are many cases in which the entire armamentarium of plastic surgery must be utilized.

Adolescent↗

Circulating immune complexes and sperm antibodies following vasectomy in Austrian men.

The incidence of circulating immune complexes (CICs) following vasectomy in men and the timing of their appearance and disappearance remain unsettled. A prospective study was initiated to measure CICs and sperm antibody formation in 44 Austrian men undergoing a vasectomy. Using the Raji cell assay, the incidence of CICs was 11% (5 of 44) prior to surgery, 24% (10 of 42) at 2-3 months, 10% (1 of 10) at 4-6 months and 0% (0 of 23) at 15-26 months following surgery. The incidence of sperm antibodies, employing a sperm agglutination assay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, was 7% (3 of 44), 17% (9 of 52), 25% (3 of 12) and 27% (3 of 11), at 0, 2-6, 15-20 and 21-26 months following vasectomy, respectively. CICs and sperm antibody levels were not correlated at any time point. These results support previous studies indicating a transient increase in the incidence of CICs, detectable by the Raji cell assay, only at early times following vasectomy.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Ultrastructural analysis of rat testes after gossypol acetic acid (GAA) treatment.

The present investigations were carried out to show the histological and ultrastructural alterations in rat testes 10 weeks after gossypol acetic acid treatment (dose: 30 mg gossypol acetic acid/kg/day). the morphological findings in the interstitial compartment were compared with the data from studies carried out to investigate the testosterone biosynthesis in gossypol acetic acid treated rats. No morphological changes in the epididymal and vasal epithelia were found; however, the germinal epithelial cells showed vacuolisation, pycnosis, disconnections of junctions, cytolysis and exfoliation of germ cells from the epithelium. The Sertoli cells were affected, too. Gossypol acetic acid seemed to stimulate the physiological activity pathologically; cellular organelles as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomal vacuoles, pigment granules and nuclei were either enlarged in size and number or malformed in shape. The cellular contact was often restricted to spots or completely disconnected. If gossypol acetic acid was administered for a longer period of time some Sertoli cells were found to be unable to withstand the toxic stimulus, and the cells became necrotic too. In contrast to the toxic process in the germinal and Sertoli cells the Leydig cell compartment did not show any changes in fine structure, and therefore testosterone biosynthesis is presumed to be intact.

Animals↗

Effect of intratesticular administration of BCG on testicular function (preliminary report).

Four patients suffering from carcinoma of the prostate (2 in stage C and 2 in stage D) in whom orchidectomy was indicated clinically, were enrolled in the study. Two patients were given a single injection of 25 units of BCG per testis and the other two received 50 units intratesticularly. Testicular biopsy at 0, 4 and 16 weeks showed the effects of the procedure in the tubular and interstitial compartment. The tubules were partially or completely atrophied, Sertoli cells were vacuolated. In the interstitium, mononuclear infiltration was evident. The reaction was more intense in patients receiving 50 units. The plasma testosterone after a slight drop in the first month returned to normal and pretreatment levels, respectively, and remained so during the eight months of observation. There was no significant change either in plasma oestradiol and prolactin or in T3, T1 and cortisol levels. FSH and LH, however, increased beyond the basal levels after an initial drop. The general condition of the patients remained good. All four patients gained weight. No side effects other than scrotal swelling during the first few weeks were either seen or reported by the patients. The swelling subsided after four weeks. This preliminary study indicates that there is a partial or total destruction of geminal elements. As the plasma testosterone levels remained undiminished in these four cases over a period of 8 months, it is apparent that testosterone production is not affected by intratesticularly administered BCG.

Aged↗

Sonographic staging after nephrectomy for tumours.

Sonography for postoperative staging after malignant renal tumours was evaluated in this study based on multiple examinations in 63 patients. Sonography permits a critical examination of the liver, the abdomen in general, the retroperitoneal space, including the renal fossa and solitary kidney. Local recurrences after hypernephroma operation were found in 5.3% and after nephrectomy for renal pelvic carcinoma in 68%. Retroperitoneal lymph node metastases appeared in 17% of the patients operated on renal pelvic carcinoma and in 7.6% after hypernephroma operation. These data indicate that special attention should be drawn to the renal fossa after tumour nephrectomy. The higher incidence of recurrences in the renal fossa, and metastatic lymph node involvement in patients following nephrectomy for renal pelvic carcinoma compared with the situation after hypernephroma operation might be explained by the difference of the lymph drainage between the renal pelvis and renal parenchyma which, in addition, includes a separate ontogenetic development. The majority of secondary lesions in hypernephroma patients occur as lung and bone metastases which have been discovered by conventional X-ray examination. These data are not statistically evaluated in the study.

Adenocarcinoma↗

The endocrine status of gossypol - treated male rats.

Male adult Wistar rats were exposed daily or every other day to oral gossypol acetic acid (GAA) concentrations of 2.5-30 mg/kg for 10-20 weeks. Controls received the GAA-suspension medium or were left completely untreated. The serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH as well as the weight of testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle, coagulating gland, and pituitary were determined. The accessory sex organs were prepared for light microscopy. Significant antifertility effect in these animals was achieved at GAA-dosage of 15 mg/kg and higher. GAA-administration neither altered the serum hormonal profiles nor the reproductive organ weights in comparison to the controls. Accordingly, light microscopical examination revealed no alterations in the histological picture of prostate, seminal vesicle and coagulating gland when compared with the controls. The results indicate that GAA does not interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male adult rats.

Animals↗

Results of treatment with tamoxifen in oligozoospermic men.

15 men, aged 32-42, with normo- and hypogonadotropic oligozoospermia were treated with the non-steroidal compound tamoxifen. The therapeutic period lasted for 6 month and tamoxifen was administered orally in a daily dose of 2 X 10 mg. The seminal and hormonal parameters were evaluated. A significant increase in sperm density was only found in responders. The compound showed no effect in men having a hypergonadotropic stage. The changes in endocrine parameters as levels of plasma testosterone, estradiol and gonadotropins were similarly affected in "responders" and "non-responders". Treatment with tamoxifen revealed no side effects regarding sexual behaviour, development of gynecomastia or nipple pains.

Adult↗

Cryptorchidism in adults.

Semicastration in cryptorchidism of adults is the preferential therapy. A positive effect on fertility is usually to be expected. An aggravation did not occur in any case. If for any reason, in cases of cryptorchidism or especially if only one testis is present orchidopexy is carried out, there should be a periodical check-up of the patients in order to discern in time the development of a testicular tumor.

Adolescent↗

Malacoplakia of the kidney and urinary bladder.

Malacoplakia of the kidney is a very rare disease, and in two-thirds of the cases the lower urinary tract is also affected. Malacoplakia of the urinary tract affects primarily the bladder and secondarily the distal ureter, rarely the kidney.

Aged↗