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Biomedical subjects

L Weber

Publications and source records attributed to L Weber.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

The influence of ethanol on the stem cell toxicity of benzene in mice.

BDF1 mice were exposed to 100, 300, and 900 ppm benzene vapor, and the numbers of hematopoietic progenitor cells, early and late erythroid progenitors (BFU-E and CFU-E) and granuloid progenitors (CFU-C), were determined with and without additional exposure to ethanol (5, 10, 15 vol%) in the drinking water. The duration of benzene inhalation was up to 4 weeks, 6 hr per day, 5 days per week. It was shown that the number of CFU-E per femur was depressed in a dose-dependent manner by benzene alone and also by ethanol combined with a given benzene concentration. CFU-E showed rapid regeneration after the end of the exposure, but not BFU-E and CFU-C. Prolongation of the ethanol exposure after withdrawal of benzene had only a marginal effect on progenitor cell regeneration.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1990

Use of principal components analysis to develop a composite score as a primary outcome variable in a clinical trial. The VA Cooperative Study Group on Cochlear Implantation.

This article describes the use of principal components analysis to derive a composite score from a battery of 24 audiologic tests. The composite score is being used as the primary outcome variable in a clinical trial comparing the efficacy of three cochlear implant devices for people with bilateral, profound hearing loss. The first principal component from the within-class pooled variance-covariance matrix over four time periods was chosen to establish the coefficients for the composite score. This component accounted for 61% of the total variance of the 24 audiologic tests. The first principal component had its largest coefficients associated with the most difficult audiologic tests. The mean composite score of all patients improved over time; some patients showed dramatic improvement. The changes in the composite score over time were also closely related to subjective impressions of implant performance by the patient, audiologist, and otolaryngologist.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1990

Trace analysis of chloramphenicol residues in egg powders by capillary gas chromatography-electron capture detection.

Chloramphenicol (CAP) in egg powder samples was extracted with acetonitrile by sonication. After centrifugation, the supernatant was diluted with water and defatted with n-hexane, and cleanup was performed on a microcolumn of graphitized carbon black (GCB). Different silylation methods were compared for the derivatization of the analytes. Trimethylsilyl N,N-dimethylcarbamate produced stable di-TMS derivatives which were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-electron capture detection (CGC-ECD) after splitless injection. The meta isomer of the chloramphenicol served as the internal standard for quantitation, and 80% + mean recovery was obtained in the 0.1-10 micrograms/kg (ppb) concentration range.

Acetonitriles↗
PubMed1990

Expression of 38-kD cell-surface glycoprotein in transformed human keratinocyte cell lines, basal cell carcinomas, and epithelial germs.

In this study, we attempted to identify and characterize transformation-induced cell-surface glycoproteins of human keratinocytes. Therefore, we first searched for glycoproteins which are significantly elevated in human keratinocytes after transformation and immortalization by SV40 virus and which are also found at high levels in keratinocytic cell lines derived from squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. Out of at least 80 different cell-surface antigenic systems of human tumor cells, only three glycoproteins showed elevated expression in transformed keratinocytes. Among these, a 38-kD glycoprotein (gp 38) was highly increased in all transformed keratinocyte cell lines tested, but was not elevated in transformed fibroblasts. The expression of gp 38 was further characterized in normal epidermis and in its benign and malignant hyperproliferative disorders: gp 38 was generally not expressed in normal epidermis and in benign hyperproliferative disorders. In contrast, strong and homogeneous reactivity was found in solid and fibrosing basal cell carcinomas whereas no or low reactivity was detected in squamous cell carcinomas and in those parts of BCC revealing keratotic differentiation. Interestingly, high expression of gp 38 was also found in primary epithelial germs of fetal skin, secondary germ cells of the telogenic hair follicle and secretory tubules of sweat glands. The immunohistologic data suggest that gp 38 is preferentially expressed by epidermal cells which lack squamous and pilosebaceous differentiation.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗
PubMed1990

Integrins of normal human epidermis: differential expression, synthesis and molecular structure.

The expression of integrin cell surface receptors in normal skin and their synthesis and molecular structure in keratinocyte cultures was investigated. The reactivity of four different polypeptides of the integrin family (alpha 2-, alpha 3-, alpha 6- and beta 1-chains) was demonstrated in the basal cell layer of normal epidermis. Studies of labelled keratinocyte cell lines showed that the polypeptides were expressed as alpha 2 beta 1, alpha 3 beta 1 and alpha 6 beta 4 integrins. Only the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin showed polarization towards the basement membrane attachment site of basal layer keratinocytes, and was preferentially expressed at microvillous projections. In contrast, alpha 2 beta 1 and alpha 3 beta 1 integrins were equally expressed throughout the basal cell plasma membrane.

Basement Membrane↗
PubMed1990

Photoallergic reaction to fluorescein.

A photoallergic reaction to fluorescein was demonstrated in a male diabetic by photopatch and photoprovocation tests. Sensitization was acquired by tonometries using a fluorescein-containing local anesthetic, preceding fluorescein angiography for diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. Histopathological examination of skin lesions induced in both photopatch and photoprovocation tests confirmed the diagnosis of photoallergic reaction to fluorescein.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1990

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study to compare the efficacy and safety of chronic nifedipine therapy with that of isosorbide dinitrate and their combination in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure.

We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover study to compare the efficacy and safety of vasodilation with the calcium entry blocker nifedipine with that of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and their combination as treatment for heart failure. Twenty-eight patients with New York Heart Association Functional class II or III chronic heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction were studied. All patients were maintained on a constant dose of digitalis and diuretics throughout the study. Eight weeks of therapy with nifedipine alone or in combination with ISDN resulted in a significantly higher incidence of heart failure deterioration necessitating hospitalizations and/or additional diuretics. Twenty-four percent of patients required hospitalization during nifedipine therapy and 26% required hospitalization during nifedipine-ISDN combination therapy in comparison to 0% requiring hospitalization during ISDN therapy alone. The total number of heart failure-worsening episodes was nine among patients on nifedipine, three among patients on ISDN (p less than 0.09 versus nifedipine), and 21 among patients on nifedipine-ISDN combination (p less than 0.001 versus nifedipine, p less than 0.0001 versus ISDN). Premature discontinuation of drug administration due to clinical deterioration or other side effects occurred in 29% of patients during nifedipine therapy, 5% of patients during ISDN therapy (p = 0.05 versus nifedipine), and 19% of patients during the combination therapy. A comparison of eight patients who demonstrated clinical deterioration on nifedipine with the remainder of the patients demonstrated no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (0.24 +/- 0.06 versus 0.23 +/- 0.07) or maximal oxygen uptake during exercise (13 +/- 3 versus 14 +/- 2 ml/kg/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Integrins--new receptor molecules: their significance for the differentiation, regeneration and immune response of the skin].

The integrins are a newly defined family of cell surface receptors. They are involved in the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix and to other cells. Integrins and their ligands may be required for complex physiological and pathophysiological events, such as epidermal differentiation, inflammation, immune response, wound healing or tumour progression. Some of the integrin receptor molecules are expressed in a distinct distribution pattern within the skin. Three of them are found selectively in the basal layer of the epidermis, suggesting an important role in establishment of the functional integrity of the dermo-epidermal junction. In the present paper we summarize the available data on the structure and function of integrins and report on the expression of these molecules within the skin and their regulation in cell cultures.

Cell Adhesion↗
PubMed1990

[Report on threatened premature labor: etiology, management, results].

The studies on the aetiological factors of a premature delivery constitute an old fear of obstetricians and epidemiologists. However, they remain confused and the very definition of prematurity is among the first sources of confusion. There are many therapeutic methods considered as preventive. Their efficacy is debatable whilst their secondary effects are obvious. In this article, the authors report the results of a retrospective study of observations of patients who presented threats of premature labour and analyzed the epidemiological aspects, the aetiological factors and the therapeutic methods. It seems important to consider the risk factors in order to prevent premature labour. A decrease in the use of betamimetics and an increase in that of therapies said to be of replacement does not seem to be accompanied by a relative increase in the incidence of prematurity.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Human immunodeficiency virus infection associated with tuberculosis].

In order to detect an association between HIV infection and tuberculosis (TB), 130 TB inpatients were studied one of whom presented a pulmonary disease due to Mycobacterium avium intracellulare. All had advanced TB, 95.4%, with pulmonary localization. Serum anti-HIV antibodies were detected by ELISA and their presence confirmed by immunoblotting in 4 (3.1%) individuals, three males and one female, with different degrees of pulmonary TB. Of the males, 1 was bisexual, 2 were promiscuous, and the female was the sexual partner of a non symptomatic HIV-infected man. No immunological disturbances or other AIDS related alterations were observed. There was one case of miliary TB, but neither atypical X-ray abnormalities nor extrapulmonary involvement were found. Tuberculin reaction was positive in three of the four HIV infected patients. Clinical, radiological and bacteriological evolution were favorable. Adverse drug reaction occurred in two cases, one of them presenting serious toxidermia caused by isoniazid. Of the 130 individuals, 12 presented risk factors for HIV infection so that the prevalence of anti-HIV antibodies presented here, 4 cases out of 12, is consistent with data from previous reports for high risk populations.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1990

[The value of fine-needle aspiration cytology in the after-care of malignant melanoma].

In recent years, we have carried out 146 fine-needle aspiration cytologies (FNAC) for diagnostic clarification of putative metastases from melanomas. The cytodiagnostic appraisal was based on general criteria for the malignancy of tumour cells as well as on particular melanoma-specific findings. Different cell variants can be differentiated in cytological terms. Validation of the cytological diagnoses was possible in 118 of the 123 evaluable FNAC, either by histological examination of the subsequently excised lesions or on the basis of the further clinical progress observed. Statistical evaluation revealed a sensitivity of 93.8% for this method and a specificity of 100%. In our experience, FNAC is thus a diagnostic method that is of great value in the rapid and reliable diagnosis of suspected metastatic lesions in the clinical follow-up of melanoma patients.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1989

Cryocrystalglobulinemia: pH-dependent precipitation of a monoclonal IgG-kappa-immunoglobulin.

Cryoglobulinemia is seen in a minority of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias and can be of clinical relevance if intravascular gelling or precipitate formation occurs at low temperatures. We observed a patient suffering from IgG-kappa multiple myeloma which was complicated by instability of the immunoglobulin forming crystalline precipitates at low pH and low temperature. Short exposure to extreme cooling initiated an unusual course terminating in disseminated vascular occlusion and fatal outcome which was connected with an adverse effect of blood exchange. Crystal formation was noticed in anticoagulated blood samples even at 37 degrees C. In vitro studies showed a critical pH dependency of solubility of the immunoglobulin close to the physiological pH of the blood. These observations suggest that the fatal outcome was due to a vicious circle of ischemia, metabolic acidosis and intravascular precipitations, initiated not only by low acral temperatures but by cold-induced ischemic tissue acidosis as well. Serum of patients with monoclonal gammopathy and cryoglobulinemia should be tested for pH dependent immunoglobulin insolubility.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Central and renal hemodynamic effects of a new agonist at peripheral dopamine- and beta-2 adrenoreceptors (dopexamine) in patients with heart failure.

The effect of dopexamine, a new dopamine analogue, on central and renal hemodynamics was evaluated in nine patients with chronic, congestive heart failure caused by severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. The administration of the maximally tolerated dose (7.2 +/- 4 micrograms/kg/min) resulted in a significant increase in cardiac index from 1.9 +/- 0.4 L/min/m2 to 2.6 +/- 0.9 L/min/m2 (p less than 0.05). This increase in cardiac index was largely a result of increase in heart rate (from 88 +/- 20 beats/min to 104 +/- 24 beats/min, p less than 0.05), because stroke volume index demonstrated only a small change (from 23 +/- 10 ml/m2 to 27 +/- 11 ml/m2, p not significant) in spite of a significant fall in systemic vascular resistance from 1992 +/- 717 dynes.sec.cm-5 to 1361 +/- 524 dynes.sec.cm-5 (p less than 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (from 89 +/- 15 mm Hg to 80 +/- 17 mm Hg, p less than 0.05). No change was seen during dopexamine infusion in systolic blood pressure, right and left ventricular filling pressures, and LV stroke work index. Both renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate were impaired at baseline in most patients. Dopexamine administration resulted in a significant increase (2x coefficient of variation) in renal blood flow in two patients only. Mean values of both renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate did not show significant change (485 +/- 183 ml/min vs 563 +/- 221 ml/min and 89 +/- 39 ml/min vs 93 +/- 34 ml/min, respectively, p not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Integrin VLA-3: ultrastructural localization at cell-cell contact sites of human cell cultures.

The integrin VLA-3 is a cell surface receptor, which binds to fibronectin, laminin, collagen type I and VI (Takada, Y., E. A. Wayner, W. G. Carter, and M. E. Hemler. 1988. J. Cell. Biochem. 37:385-393) and is highly expressed in substrate adherent cultures of almost all human cell types. The ligand specificity of VLA-3 and the inhibition of cell adhesion by anti-VLA-3 monoclonal antibodies suggest its involvement in cell-substrate interaction. In normal tissues, VLA-3 is restricted to few cell types, notably the kidney glomeruli and basal cells of the epidermis. In the epidermis, VLA-3 is generally strongly expressed on the entire plasma membrane of basal cells and is not polarized towards the basement membrane (Klein, C. E., C. Cardon-Cardo, R. Soehnchen, R. J. Cote, H. F. Oettgen, M. Eisinger, and L. J. Old. 1987. J. Invest. Dermatol. 89:500-507). Based on this finding we speculated that, in addition to a role of VLA-3 for adhesion of cells to substrate, it could also be relevant for cell-cell interaction. To investigate this, we ultrastructurally localized VLA-3 on the surface of cultured cells by immunoelectron microscopy. In accordance with our concept, we found VLA-3 strongly associated with intercellular contact sites. Interestingly, very little immunoreactivity was detected at the under-surface of cells which had been cultured for 18-32 h. This observation was unexpected but is consistent with previous findings (Kantor, R. R. S., M. J. Mattes, K. D. Lloyd, L. J. Old, and A. P. Albino. 1987. J. Biol. Chem. 262:15158-15165) which suggest that the association of VLA-3 with the basal surface of substrate adherent tumor cells is a late event occurring after days of culture under confluent conditions. However, we cannot formally rule out VLA-3 expression at the undersurface of cells under our experimental conditions, since VLA-3 molecules at this location could be inaccessible for in situ labeling of unfixed cells because of spatial interferences. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the expression of VLA-3 at intercellular contact sites of cultured cells supporting the concept that it may be relevant for intercellular interactions also.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Infantile acropustulosis].

Infantile acropustulosis starts in the first few months of life with the recurrent appearance of pruritic intraepidermal pustules containing neutrophils. Predilection sites are the hands and feet. Episodes of pustular eruptions lasting from 8 to 14 days are followed by longer intervals with no symptoms. However, some infants present with skin lesions more widely distributed over the body and with eosinophils as a major constituent of the pustules. In these cases differentiation from other eosinophilic pustular dermatoses of infancy, e.g., the pustular variant of toxic erythema, eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, and transient neonatal pustular melanosis, may become difficult. The etiology of infantile acropustulosis is unknown. The disease clears up spontaneously within the first few years of life. In some cases DADPS therapy has been of benefit.

Acrodermatitis↗
PubMed1989

["Sister Joseph's module"--umbilical metastases of internal tumors].

A 50-year-old man, who was otherwise asymptomatic, presented with an umbilical metastasis of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Umbilical metastases ("Sister Joseph's nodule") of internal malignancies are rare. Although they may be the first sign of the underlying malignancy, their appearance is generally correlated with a poor prognosis. Among approximately 400 cases reported in the literature, the most frequent primary tumors were carcinomas of the stomach, ovary, large intestine and pancreas.

Adenocarcinoma↗