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Biomedical subjects

M Hess

Publications and source records attributed to M Hess.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Establishing three dimensional tumors in vitro and the reaction of the lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK) to the three dimensional tumors].

In this study, we attempted to develop a technique, by which three-dimensional tumors were produced from two cultured head and neck tumor cell lines (Hep2, KB) and a colon adenocarcinoma cell line (HT29) using fibrinogen, thrombin, and double layered agar system. The three-dimensional tumor was large enough to perform the histologic study, which showed no significant histologic difference in comparison with the histologic findings of the xenografted tumor on nude mice. Furthermore, we applied this assay model to evaluate the antitumor effect of lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells on the three-dimensional tumor produced by the technique. When tumor cells were cocultured with LAK cells, the damage of the three-dimensional structure due to the degeneration of tumor cells was observed. These findings suggest that the three-dimensional tumor may be useful to evaluate the antitumor effect of LAK cells in term of head and neck solid tumors.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1991

Influence of serum derived from patients with head and neck cancer on natural killer cell activity.

The influence of serum from 23 patients with head and neck cancer on natural killer (NK) cell activity was analyzed using a double-layer agar assay, in which NK cells show an activity to inhibit the colony growth of K562 cells. In contrast to normal serum (or no treatment), serum from cancer patients reduced the inhibitory activity of NK cells, not only of autologous NK cells but also of allogeneic NK cells. These results suggest that the serum of patients with head and neck cancer may have some inhibitory factors on NK cell activity and may be involved in host resistance to tumor growth in vivo.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Reduced concentration of secretory IgA indicates changes of local immunity in children with adenoid hyperplasia and secretory otitis media.

Children with adenoid hyperplasia and secretory otitis media show significantly lower immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentrations in their saliva compared to matched controls. Salivary albumin and cortisol levels do not differ in both groups. Changes in local immunity, dilution or stress as possible factors for the reduction of sIgA concentrations are discussed.

Adenoids↗
PubMed1991

Use of a microcomputer database system in a statewide effort for data collection in medical genetics.

The Genetics Office Automation System (GOAS) is a database management system for the collection and reporting of medical genetics data. We have previously reported on its implementation in a single university center [1,2]. We report here on its implementation in a coordinated data collection effort for the State of Missouri. We discuss the current status of the data collection activities and procedures to share data collected at an individual center with state, regional, and national data collection efforts.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1990

[Regulation of thirst in end-stage kidney insufficiency].

About 30% of hemodialyzed patients are suffering from chronic fluid overload despite advice to restrict the oral fluid intake. To investigate the cause of the abnormal drinking behaviour a clinical study was performed in 51 non-diabetic patients with endstage renal disease exhibiting lower interdialysis weight gain (less than 3 kg, n = 17) and increased interdialysis weight gain (greater than 3 kg, n = 34). Blood pressure, body weight self-estimated thirst intensity before and after hemodialysis were analyzed. Biochemical and behavioral variables were measured including hormonal factors of water and sodium metabolism. Significant differences of dry weight, creatinine, urea nitrogen and thirst intensity were found between the two groups. Catecholamines, renin, angiotensin II, aldosterone, vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide exhibited a similar pattern in both groups. Atrial natriuretic peptide decreased during hemodialysis in both groups, angiotensin II, however, and norepinephrine showed an exaggerated response to ultrafiltration rate in polydipsic patients. These results suggest that changes in serum osmolality during hemodialysis did not contribute to thirst and drinking behaviour. It seems that postdialytic hypovolaemia together with higher plasma-angiotensin II-levels is responsible for increased oral intake of fluid and excessive weight gain.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1990

[A simple method for the demonstration of the bacterial spectrum in the nose and the nasopharynx in the infection-free interval in children with adenoid hypertrophy].

The implications of bacterial colonization and distribution patterns in the nasopharynx and nasal cavities of children with adenoidal hypertrophy without clinical signs of acute infection are to be determined. We examined the spectrum and distribution of the facultative pathogenic bacterial flora in nasal cavities and nasopharynx of children with clinical apparent symptoms or signs of adenoid hypertrophy in an infection free interval. Compared with the nasal cavity we found an accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in the nasopharynx. A transnasal single swab from the nasopharynx showed to be the most effectively practical way to detect clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria. A thin flexible calcium-alginate swab was used in our experiments. Swabbing from the anterior nasal cavities proved to be a minor successful diagnostic method.

Adenoids↗
PubMed1990

[The effect of functional impairments and autonomic symptoms on the quality of life after the therapy of tumors in the ENT area].

Life quality in tumour patients has received growing scientific and public attention. While most studies focus on patients with tumours in the thorax or abdomen, less is known about determinants of life quality in patients with tumours in the head-neck region. In this report, we focus on the role of tumour localisation, clinical staging, functional impairments, and vegetative symptoms on the rating of life quality. In a structured interview, 222 tumour patients regularly followed-up by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology were asked about aspects of their illness, especially with regard to life quality. The results show that clinical stage of tumour had an U-shaped effect on life quality. Patients on stage 1 or on stage 3 had higher life quality ratings than patients on stage 2, which may indicate divergent coping styles of the patients. Patients with impairments of swallowing, tasting, whispering or breathing rated significant lower on life quality. Moreover, patients suffering from pain, with sleeping problems, with impairments of their bodily appearance or of their sex life rated significantly lower on life quality. Tumour localisation had no effect on ratings of life quality. In conclusion, it can be stated that life quality of tumour patients in otorhinolaryngology is influenced by clinical stage of the tumour, functional impairments and vegetative symptoms.

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases↗
PubMed1990

Assessment of AIDS knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and risk level of Northwestern American Indians.

A survey was made of 710 American Indians of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to assess the population's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in respect to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), to estimate the population's risk, and to plan strategies to reduce it. In contrast to 3 percent of the general population, this study found 10.6 percent of male and 6.4 percent of female Pacific Northwestern American Indians in groups considered at high risk for AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1988

Influence of xamoterol, a partial beta 1-selective agonist, on physical performance capacity and cardiocirculatory, metabolic and hormonal parameters.

In a double-blind, random, cross-over study, 14 healthy male volunteers received xamoterol 200 mg (Corwin; C) twice daily or placebo (P) for two seven-day medication periods to investigate effects on physical performance, cardiocirculatory parameters, metabolism and hormone levels during exercise. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also done. C showed a positive inotropic effect up to an exercise intensity of 100 W, corresponding to a heart rate of about 100 beats.min-1. Chronotropic regulation of the heart remained unchanged, but the increase in systolic blood pressure was more pronounced and the catecholamines behaved as after P. From 150 W onwards, C exhibited beta-blocking properties; heart rate was reduced by up to 8 beats.min-1; systolic blood pressure remained unchanged; and the catecholamines showed a more pronounced increase than after P. Diastolic blood pressure behaved almost identically under all test conditions. With the exception of a slightly increased level of free fatty acids at rest, the parameters of physical performance, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and the hormone levels under all conditions after C showed similar behaviour to that after as P. The findings indicate that physical performance capacity, cardiocirculatory system, metabolism and hormones were not negatively influenced by C.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed1988

Applications of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in cardiac transplantation. Preliminary results in five patients.

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is the major cause of late cardiac transplant failure secondary to silent ischemia and infarction. To increase the longevity of cardiac homografts, we performed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in five male patients (aged 45 +/- 7 years, mean +/- SEM); 17 lesions were dilated during eight procedures 83 +/- 11 months after cardiac transplant. PTCA was successful (greater than or equal to 20% change in vessel diameter) in 13 of 17 (76%) lesions (the degree of prePTCA stenosis was 84% +/- 3% vs. 40% +/- 4% postPTCA; p less than or equal to 0.01). Multiple PTCA procedures were performed for progressive coronary artery disease in two patients; in one patient, two procedures were 13 months apart, and, in the second patient, another three procedures were 2 and 6 months apart. Indications for PTCA included reversible thallium perfusion defects, segmental left ventricular wall-motion abnormalities, or both in the distribution of proximal coronary artery stenoses. No deterioration occurred in the four unsuccessful PTCA attempts (two patients with initial total occlusion, and two patients in whom the lesion could not be crossed with a guidewire). Noninvasive evidence of ischemia was improved immediately after PTCA in all cases. Three patients remain alive 5, 7, and 11 months, respectively, after PTCA without evidence of new ischemia. One patient died 39 months after his first PTCA, while another patient was retransplanted 8 months after the first PTCA. Thus, PTCA can be performed in cardiac transplant patients with proximal major vessel coronary artery disease and may prolong cardiac homograft function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Reperfusion-induced arrhythmias: characterization studies with the globally ischemic rat heart.

It has previously been demonstrated in the rat heart, in vivo and in vitro, with regional ischemia, that an asymmetric bell-shaped curve defines the relationship between the vulnerability to reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and the duration of the preceding period of ischemia. The present study sought to establish whether a similar relationship occurred with global ischemia and reperfusion. Using rats from three different sources (two British, one North American) it was observed that, when an appropriate duration of ischemia was selected, reperfusion was capable of eliciting a very high incidence (up to 100%) of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. In the first series of studies an asymmetric bell-shaped relationship was observed such that with reperfusion after 5, 10, 20, 25, 28, 30, 33, 37 and 45 mins 0, 8, 8, 8, 50, 58, 83, 33, 33 and 25% of hearts fibrillated, respectively (12 hearts per group). However, upon repeating the studies with groups of rats from other suppliers or different batches from the same supplier, different results were obtained. Thus, in some study groups a very high incidence of arrhythmia was observed with reperfusion after very short (7.5 mins) durations of ischemia and low incidences were sometimes obtained with reperfusion after 30 mins, a time which, in some study groups, elicited a very high (100%) incidence of severe arrhythmias. These results contrast strikingly with those obtained with regional ischemia where a highly reproducible profile for the incidence of arrhythmias is consistently observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1987

The psychological impact of diagnostic ultrasound.

The psychological impact of ultrasound scanning in pregnancy was examined in low- and high-risk pregnancies. Women in each category were assigned consecutively to a condition of either low or high feedback. In the latter condition, the women received extensive verbal and visual feedback, whereas in the former, subjects were denied visual access to the monitor. Psychological changes were measured using the State Anxiety Inventory and the Subjective Stress Scale. When a male partner attended, he was included in the assessment. The emotional impact of ultrasound was influenced by the level of feedback provided, with those in the high-feedback condition indicating significantly less anxiety and more positive emotional experiences during the scan, compared with those who received less feedback.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

The contrasting effects of cyclosporin-A and azathioprine on arterial blood pressure and renal function following cardiac transplantation.

The effects of cyclosporin-A and azathioprine on the postoperative development of systemic hypertension and renal dysfunction in patients undergoing cardiac transplantation were compared retrospectively in 18 patients receiving cyclosporin-A and in 12 patients receiving azathioprine. Twelve months postoperatively, the average mean blood pressure was 116 +/- 13 mm Hg and 98 +/- 7.5 mm Hg; the average preoperative serum creatinine was 1.2 +/- 0.3 mg% and 1.5 +/- 0.3 mg%; and the postoperative serum creatinine was 2.2 +/- 0.8 mg% and 1.1 +/- 0.2 mg% (P less than 0.0001) in the cyclosporin-A-and azathioprine-treated groups respectively. Hemodynamic studies were done to characterize the de novo postoperative hypertension developing in the cyclosporin-A group. The pre- and postoperative cardiac output was 3.7 and 4.91/min, respectively (P less than 0.01). The pre- and postoperative systemic vascular resistance was 1707 and 1941 dynes sec X cm-5, respectively (P greater than 0.2). Peripheral renin activity and 24-hour urinary catecholamine excretion were not elevated. The mechanism of the hypertension developing in cyclosporin-A-treated patients is unknown, but is associated with normalization of cardiac output, an abnormally elevated systemic vascular resistance, and modest impairment of renal function. These findings are in marked contrast to azathioprine-treated patients, in whom postoperative hypertension and renal dysfunction do not occur. These observations implicate cyclosporin-A as the major contributing factor in the development of hypertension and renal dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

High doses of antigen-nonspecific IgG do not inhibit pemphigus acantholysis in skin organ cultures.

A patient suffering from severe pemphigus vulgaris was treated using large-volume plasma exchange in combination with an immunosuppressive regimen. As some recent reports have shown evidence that polyclonal, polyspecific human IgG in high doses through the i.v. route (IGIV) protect target platelets in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura from attack by antiplatelet autoantibodies and/or immune complexes, we also administered IGIV to this pemphigus-vulgaris patient. In order to test the hypothesis that IGIV might protect in vitro-cultured human skin from acantholysis induced by pemphigus antibodies, studies with skin organ cultures were carried out using plasma from another pemphigus-vulgaris patient who had undergone plasma exchange. The preincubation of either the skin explants or the pemphigus plasma with various concentrations of IGIV (ranging from 0.15 to 15 mg/ml in the culture medium) did not prevent acantholysis induced by the pemphigus plasma nor did it inhibit the binding of the specific antibodies visualized by direct immunofluorescence. Thus, the assumption that IGIV may coat the pemphigus antigens on epidermal cells making them inaccessible to pathogenic autoantibodies was not substantiated by our tests in vitro; likewise, the hypothesis of functionally blocking autoantibody activity by means of anti-idiotype effects of IGIV cannot be supported.

Acantholysis↗