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Biomedical subjects

M Beck

Publications and source records attributed to M Beck.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Current experience with renal transplantation across the ABO barrier.

Solid organ transplantation has traditionally been governed by the rules of blood group compatibility. Thus, it has been demonstrated that crossing the ABO blood group barrier generally results in hyperacute rejection. However, the A2 subtype of the blood group A is a weaker antigen. Under certain circumstances, organs from donors with blood group A2 can be transplanted across the ABO blood group barrier into recipients of O or B blood type. Since 1986, 33 patients including 24 blood group O and 9 blood group B patients received A2 (30) or A2B (3) donor kidneys. Both cadaver donor (31) and living-related grafts (2) have been undertaken. The mean follow-up since transplantation for the 21 patients with functioning grafts is 36 months, with a 67.2% current graft survival. Immunosuppression for these transplants consisted of azathioprine, prednisone, and cyclosporine, often in combination with prophylactic OKT3 or antilymphocyte globulin as protocol dictated. Special immunosuppressive protocols such as splenectomy or plasmapheresis were not used. The serum of the potential recipient was analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) forms of antibody against A1 and A2 red blood cells. There is a strong correlation between a low (less than or equal to 1:8) anti-A1 IgG titer and both early and long-term graft function. Recipients with an IgG titer greater than 1:8 in the pretransplant serum had a much higher incidence of early graft failure. We no longer recommend transplantation of A2 kidneys into O or B recipients with a pretransplant titer of greater than 1:8 but found that recipients with low titers have graft function rates essentially equal to those of ABO-compatible patients. Patients with blood group B have, over time, lower anti-A IgG titers than do blood group O patients. In addition, the graft survival among blood group B patients is 89% compared with 58% among group O recipients. This may be due to the generally low titers found in blood group B recipients. Since instituting a policy in 1988 of not transplanting the kidney when the anti-A IgG titer is greater than 1:8, the survival in O patients is 88%. We recommend the screening of all organ donors with blood group A for the A2 subgroup and believe that transplantation can be safely and successfully performed in certain patients with blood group O or B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

ABO Blood-Group System↗

An evaluation of the incisive nerve block and combination inferior alveolar and incisive nerve blocks in mandibular anesthesia.

The purpose of this study was to measure the degree of anesthesia obtained with the incisive nerve block, the inferior alveolar nerve block and a combination of both injections in mandibular teeth. Using a repeated measures design, 40 subjects randomly received an incisive nerve block, a conventional inferior alveolar nerve block, or a combination inferior alveolar nerve block plus an incisive nerve block using either lidocaine or saline (control), at four successive appointments. The mandibular teeth and contralateral canine (+/- controls) were blindly tested with an Analytic Technology pulp tester at 4-min cycles for 60 min. An 80 reading indicated complete pulpal anesthesia. The incisive nerve block alone did not result in successful pulpal anesthesia in the central, lateral, first, and second molars. It was successful in the first and second premolars but the duration was approximately 30 min. The combination inferior alveolar nerve block plus incisive nerve block was successful in the first and second premolars, and enhanced anesthesia for the laterals and first molars.

Adult↗

An in vivo evaluation of the efficacy of ultrasound after step-back preparation in mandibular molars.

This study histologically compared the in vivo debridement efficacy of the step-back preparation versus a step-back/ultrasound preparation in the mesial root canals of vital mandibular molars. Group 1 consisted of 17 teeth prepared with a step-back technique using intermittent irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Group 2 consisted of 17 teeth prepared with a step-back technique as in group 1 followed by 3 min of ultrasonic instrumentation per canal utilizing a #15 Endosonic file in an Enac unit set at 3.5. An additional 6 ml/canal of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was used during the ultrasonic preparation. Eight uninstrumented mandibular molars served as histological controls. Following extraction and histological preparation, 0.2-microns cross-sections from the 1- to 3-mm apical levels of the canal and isthmus were evaluated for percentage of tissue removal using an Olympus CUE-2 Image Analysis System. Factorial analysis of variance indicated canal and isthmus cleanliness values were significantly higher, at all 11 apical levels, with the ultrasonic technique. Sample values at the 1-, 2-, and 3-mm levels for the step-back and step-back/ultrasonic techniques, respectively, were: canal, 64% versus 92%, 81% versus 97%, and 90% versus 99.9%; isthmus, 2% versus 46%, 15% versus 60%, and 16% versus 83%.

Adult↗

Mutation analysis of the iduronate-2-sulfatase gene in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome).

Iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) cDNA from fibroblasts of nine patients with Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis type II) was screened for mutations using single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Direct sequencing revealed a number of different mutations including missense or nonsense point mutations, deletions of one, two, or 60 base pairs, and a 22 base pair-insertion. Mutations of these types probably account for most IDS gene defects as only about 20% of Hunter patients have a complete deletion or gross structural alteration of their IDS gene. Thus the broad clinical variability amongst the Hunter patients may be due to the extensive genetic heterogeneity seen. The relationship between genotype and clinical phenotype is analysed in 12 Hunter patients.

Adolescent↗

Case report 672: Gorham's disease.

A confusing early "benign" appearance which preceded subsequent radiographic progression of a case of massive osteolysis is presented. Proof of Gorham's disease was obtained by open biopsy of the left femur in this 21-year-old woman who presented with an unusual cortical lesion in the femoral shaft. The lesion initially was subtle in its radiological features but progressed considerably over a 2-year period before biopsy was undertaken.

Adult↗

Protein deficiency magnifies social influence on the food choices of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus).

The food choices of protein-deprived juvenile rats were more profoundly affected by interaction with conspecifics than were the food choices of protein-replete juvenile rats. When choosing among four different-flavored, protein-deficient diets, protein-deprived rats ate significantly more of the diet eaten by a conspecific demonstrator than did protein-replete rats. These data suggest that the food choices of the relatively less successful members of a population are most affected by social interaction. Consequently, the mean effect of social interaction on diet selection in a population of Norway rats is likely to be positive.

Animals↗

[Mucopolysaccharidosis. Nosology--clinical aspects--therapeutic approaches].

The mucopolysaccharidoses represent a group of lysosomal storage disorders characterized by coarse facies, skeletal deformities, and often mental deterioration. Recent clinical and biochemical studies have revealed a broad genetic heterogeneity of these metabolic diseases: An identical enzyme defect may lead to a mild form with normal adult height and normal life expectancy or to a severe hydrops fetalis that does not survive the first days of life. Conversely, Sanfilippo disease is an example that identical phenotypes may result from mutations of different genes. From clinical observations it became clear, that not only the skin, brain and skeletal system are involved in the storage process, but also the lungs and the cardiovascular system. Until recently, no more than palliative treatment could be offered. This consists of corneal transplantation, cervical fusion to prevent atlantoaxial subluxation, especially in Morquio's disease, and shunt operation to relieve hydrocephalus. In the last decade bone marrow transplantation became available; this may have beneficial effects in selected cases, especially in mucopolysaccharidosis I. Since the genes of several lysosomal enzymes have been identified, many efforts to introduce the normal gene into the affected cells were done. This method was successfully applied in an animal model. But many efforts in several laboratories are still necessary until this therapeutic regimen will become available for patients with mucopolysaccharidosis.

Child↗

[Aggression by psychiatric patients in the clinic. A one-year study of four state hospitals].

This study of aggressive behaviour of patients towards staff was conducted simultaneously for one year at four psychiatric hospitals. Until now there has been very little empirical research carried out in German speaking countries of aggression in psychiatric hospitals; the reasons for that are discussed. The results of the study are compared with findings from the prevalently american literature. Since conflicts between patients and staff precede aggressive incidents in the majority of cases, it is concluded as a practical consequence to train especially the younger staff members, who are primarily concerned, in managing such conflicts. Special importance is attached to knowledge of prior aggressive behaviour and its attending conditions.

Adult↗