Biomedical subjects

J Fries

Publications and source records attributed to J Fries.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1987

Pyrimidine pathways enzymes in human tumors of brain and associated tissues: potentialities for the therapeutic use of N-(phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate and 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine.

The activities of aspartate transcarbamylase (de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway) and of deoxycytidine kinase as well as deoxycytidine deaminase (salvage pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway) were determined in extracts prepared from 40 brain tumors of different types in comparison with extracts from normal nervous tissues. Aspartate transcarbamylase, which is undetectable in normal brain tissue, is present in all tumor samples and in some cases rises to very high activities. Deoxycytidine kinase activity is present in all tissues but its level is generally higher in tumors. Deoxycytidine deaminase is present in all the tissues which were analyzed, although its activity is lower in some of the tumor samples. 1-beta-D-Arabinofuranosylcytosine is a substrate for both deoxycytidine kinase and deaminase in all the samples used except one. These results suggest some potential for the utilization of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine and N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate in the treatment of brain tumors.

Aspartate Carbamoyltransferase↗

PubMed1987

Comparative toxicity of total lymphoid irradiation and immunosuppressive drug treated patients with intractable rheumatoid arthritis.

Outcomes were compared between consecutive patients who had received either total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) or immunosuppressant treatment for intractable rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There were 33 TLI and 32 immunosuppressive recipients; all patients had failed standard therapy. Average followup from the start of therapy was 2.7 years for TLI and 5.9 years for immunosuppressive recipients. Final disability levels were the same in both groups; mortality was equal in both groups as well. There were more hospitalizations for infections in the TLI group and the infecting organisms tended to be staphylococcus or gram negative organisms. Apart from infections, there were more adverse effects reported in the immunosuppressive therapy group.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

PubMed1986

A case of Sjögren's syndrome with severe anemia due to myelitis.

An unusual case of Sjögren's syndrome presenting with severe anemia as the predominant clinical feature is described. Histological examination of a bone marrow biopsy specimen demonstrated that the patient's anemia was caused by myelitis and vasculitis of the small intraosseous vessels. Our report might stimulate a more thorough investigation of bone marrow in patients with connective tissue diseases and anemia.

Anemia↗

PubMed1986

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography with iohexol (Omnipaque) and sodium meglumin diatrizoate (Urografin).

A randomized, double-blind crossover trial in intravenous digital subtraction angiography (DSA) (aorto-femoral or aorto-cervical) was performed in 38 patients with Omnipaque, 350 mg I/ml versus Urografin, 370 mg I/ml. The aim of the study was to compare subjective reactions, ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, image quality and disturbing artefacts. The median volume of contrast media given per patient was 165 ml, ranging from 85 to 250 ml. No serious complications occurred. Fewer and significantly (p less than 0.05) less intense reactions as sensations of heat and taste were experienced after Omnipaque. Significantly more patients preferred Omnipaque. The heart rate changed significantly more after Urografin than after Omnipaque. Urografin also caused a significantly greater but transient decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There was a tendency to better overall quality and less artefacts when using Omnipaque, but the difference between the two media was not statistically significant.

Aged↗

PubMed1985

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in IgA/IgG cryoglobulinemia.

Mixed IgA/IgG cryoglobulins were found in the serum of a 48-year-old man suffering from rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) with crescent formation. The type-II cryoglobulins were composed of monoclonal IgA1-kappa and polyclonal IgG, with the IgA possessing antibody activity against the IgG. The RPGN was of the immune complex type with granular deposits of IgA, IgG, and C3 on immunofluorescence microscopy and preponderant subendothelial deposits on electron microscopy. Occluding protein thrombi could be demonstrated in several glomerular capillary loops. Removal of the cryoglobulins from the patient's serum by plasmapheresis and immunosuppression was paralleled by a remarkable improvement in renal function with fall of serum creatinine values from 13.6 mg/dl (1,202.2 mumol/l) to 2.8 mg/dl (247.5 mumol/l), a resolution of the glomerular lesions, and clinical improvement as well. Our observations suggest that the crescentic glomerulonephritis may be due to an immune complex-like deposition of the cryoproteins. We conclude that crescentic glomerulonephritis in IgA/IgG cryoglobulinemia has to be considered as an autoimmune form of RPGN.

Biopsy↗

PubMed1985

[Undifferentiated cutaneous angiosarcoma of the head: identification by the endothelial marker Ulex europaeus agglutinin I].

Cutaneous angiosarcoma of the head is a rare tumor of the elderly and can occur in an undifferentiated form without any clinical or histological signs of the vascular origin of this tumor. In these cases, the tumor can be identified by using endothelial cell markers, such as factor-VIII-related antigen and ulex europaeus agglutinin I, in an immunofluorescence technique or a peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. A 78-year-old patient is described who died within 18 months from such a tumor, which was diagnosed using the endothelial cell marker, ulex europaeus agglutinin I.

Aged↗

PubMed1985

Iohexol and ioxithalamate for intravenous urography. A comparative parallel study.

Omnipaque (iohexol) 350 mg I/ml has been compared with Telebrix (ioxithalamate) 380 mg I/ml in 48 patients undergoing intravenous urography. The contrast medium dose corresponded to 400 mg I/kg body weight. No cardiovascular reactions (BP and pulse rate) were observed. Subjective reactions occurred somewhat more frequently after Telebrix than after Omnipaque. Sensation of warmth was significantly less with Omnipaque (p less than or equal to 0.05). The overall radiological quality was equally good for the two contrast media.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Solvent effects on allosteric equilibria: stabilization of T and R conformations of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamylase by organic solvents.

The activity of Escherichia coli aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase) is markedly influenced by the addition of organic solvents to the assay medium. The cosolvents tested, which include simple aliphatic alcohols, amides, and ureas, as well as acetone and dioxane, fall into two different classes: the most polar ones (formamide, acetamide, N-methylformamide, and urea) stimulate the enzyme activity for all concentrations tested. In contrast, solvents that are less polar than water inhibit the enzyme at low concentrations but stimulate it at higher concentrations. No comparable effects are observed in the case of the isolated catalytic subunits, a non-regulated form of ATCase. Extensive kinetic studies on ATCase and on two of its Michaelian derivatives, 2-thioU-ATCase and carbamylated ATCase, indicate that solvents modulate the same allosteric transition that is responsible for homotropic interactions between the catalytic sites. The stabilization of the R state of ATCase by comparatively high concentrations of cosolvents is reminiscent of similar findings made on hemoglobin and glycogen phosphorylase, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. Addition of organic cosolvents to water is known to reduce hydrophobic interactions, and we suggest that this effect may preferentially stabilize the more "relaxed" conformations of allosteric proteins, because they have a larger surface exposed to solvent [Chothia, C. (1974) Nature (London) 248, 338-339]. On the other hand, we suggest that the stabilization of the T state by low concentrations of all but the most polar cosolvents simply reflects stronger electrostatic interactions in this conformation.

Allosteric Regulation↗

PubMed1984

Rupture of supra-aortic neck arteries due to lesions caused by tracheal tubes.

Haemorrhages from the common carotid or innominate artery caused by tracheal tubes are rare but dramatic complications of head and neck surgery. Patients with metal tracheostomy cannulas or patients in the phase of wound healing after radical tumour resections of the pharynx and larynx run a greater risk. Following extensive tumour resections and radiation of the upper respiratory and digestive tracts in 680 patients, acute bleeding of the larger neck arteries occurred in 18 patients. In four of these cases, fistulae developed in the innominate or common carotid artery. These ruptures were caused by both plastic and metal tracheal tubes.

Adult↗

PubMed1983

Intravenous digital subtraction angiography. Collateral circulation to 'empty leg'.

Among 60 patients with uni- or bilateral occlusion of the common or external iliac arteries or both, 12 patients had collateral blood supply originating from the internal mammary or lateral thoracic arteries, or both. By means of intravenous digital subtraction angiography the thoracic arterial pathways and the non-occluded arteries of both legs, simultaneously, were easily demonstrated using the 30 cm effective field size of a Sirecon 33 triplex N image intensifier.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

The single hot joint.

Several points may be stressed. (1)When in doubt, perform joint aspiration and look for crystals of micro-organisms. A joint tap is nearly always indicated. (2)Do not rely on a coincidental elevated serum uric acid level. Question the patient regarding drug therapy and other causes of secondary hyperuricemia. (3)Examine all of the patient, looking for tophi (gout), skin lesions (gonococcal infection, psoriasis), erythema nodosum (allergic reactions, fungal infections), and other clues. (4)Monoarticular rheumatoid arthritis is a rare cause of a single hot joint, but it is much more common that the real rarities (e.g., pigmented willondular synovitis). (5)Anky-losing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome are common, yet frequently overlooked. (6)Radiologic examination is usually not helpful. (7)Having ruled out infection, crystal synovitis, and hemorrhage, it is sufficient to introduce symptomatic treatment and await the natural development of the joint disease. Follow-up in four to six weeks and simple blood studies often reveal the definitive diagnosis. Most of the time, natural healing processes are effective , and reward the patience of the conservative physician. Blind management must always be avoided.

Adult↗

PubMed1975