Biomedical subjects

M Just

Publications and source records attributed to M Just.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1988

Interference between strains in live virus vaccines. II: Combined vaccination with varicella and measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

A combined vaccine against varicella and measles-mumps-rubella made by mixing two commercially available products (Varilrix and Pluserix SK-RIT) has proved to be only partially successful in early trials. Although the seroconversion rates with the MMR components were comparable with those usually achieved, the varicella take was depressed to 77%. A new low dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine was prepared in which the measles virus content was reduced to 1/5 and the mumps virus content to 1/8. Commercial varicella vaccine was added to the low dose MMR vaccine. The seroconversion rates for measles was 98.2%, for mumps 100%, for rubella 99.4% and for varicella 98%. This product seemed to be well balanced in respect of a possible interference between the four different virus vaccine strains.

Antibodies, Viral↗

PubMed1988

Immunogenicity of a heat-treated recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine.

The effect of heating on the reactogenicity and the immunogenicity of a recombinant DNA hepatitis B vaccine was examined. Treatment of this vaccine for one week at 37 degrees C did not significantly alter these properties when compared to vaccine stored at 4 degrees C. These results have important implications in countries where facilities for the transport and handling of vaccines are often inadequate.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Persistence of antibodies following vaccination with a yeast-derived recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.

The persistence of anti-HBs antibodies elicited in response to vaccination with a recombinant yeast-derived hepatitis B vaccine was examined. Three years after vaccination following two different schedules (0, 1, 6 months and 0, 1, 2, 12 months), anti-HBs antibody titres obtained after vaccination with the yeast-derived vaccine were similar to those observed using a plasma-derived vaccine. At this time, nearly 100% of all vaccinees had anti-HBs antibody titres over the protective limit of 10 mIU ml-1. These results suggest that the yeast-derived vaccine will confer protection against hepatitis B infection for about the same length of time as the plasma-derived vaccine.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Errors in T1-determination using multislice technique and Gaussian slice profiles.

Multislice SE- or IR-sequences with different TR- and T1-times, respectively, are often used, to determine T1- and T2-values for tissue characterisation. To investigate the perturbating influence of the sequential excitation in multislice technique, we measured the signal intensities and calculated the T1-values of phantoms as a function of gap widths between neighboured slices. Phantoms contained fluids of different T1. We found a strong dependence of signal intensities and therefore of calculated T1-values on the gap width, when a T1/TR-ratio of more than 0.3-0.4 was reached. T1-values are considerably overestimated in this case, whereas T2-values are not influenced by the sequential excitation. We conclude that reliable T1-measurements necessitate a large spacing of more than 1 slice thickness between adjacent slices.

Humans↗

PubMed1988

[MR tomography in tumors of the posterior cranial fossa in childhood].

MR tomography was performed on 23 children with tumors in the posterior fossa. In 14 cases, the MR tissue parameters were determined. Astrocytomas can be easily differentiated from medulloblastomas and ependymomas on the basis of their localization and signal intensities. Grading of astrocytomas and distinction between medulloblastomas and ependymomas was not possible. Because of high tissue contrast, multiplanar imaging and minimal artifacts, MR proved to be the method of choice for planning surgery and for the follow-up of tumours in the posterior fossa.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

[MR tomography of thoracic and abdominal tumors in childhood and adolescence].

MRI was performed on 25 infants, children and adolescents with thoracic and abdominal tumours. The specific contribution of MRI to diagnosis, treatment planning and therapy monitoring is demonstrated. In some cases the T1 and T2 relaxation times were determined; this may clarify the different signal intensities of tumour and neighbouring organs and contribute to differentiation between Wilm's tumour and neuroblastoma.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

PubMed1988

[Gadolinium dimeglumine gadopentetate compared to CPMG sequencing and image synthesis].

The skulls of 46 patients were examined by means of ordinary scans and after contrast. 24 of these patients with cerebral abnormalities had scans, using identical planes, with and without contrast and with CPMG sequences. Contrast in intracranial, but extracerebral (extra-axial), tumours (meningiomas, neurinomas) was much better after using contrast, but intracerebral (intra-axial) tumours were mostly shown as well on T2-rated CPMG sequences. Image synthesis has shown that contrast uptake occurred only in solid tumour regions.

Brain Diseases↗

PubMed1988

[Results of nuclear magnetic resonance tomography studies in endocrine orbitopathy].

Magnetic resonance imaging (T1- and T2-weighted) was performed in 65 patients with Graves' disease. In addition, T2 relaxation times of each ocular muscle were measured. Of the muscles thus studied, 54.8% showed a thickening in coronary tomograms. An interaction between the optic nerve and the thickened ocular muscles at the apex of the orbit was suspected in 30.1%. It could not be confirmed that the thickening of the muscles and the T2 value were related. However, there was a high correlation between the rise in intraocular pressure and the T2 relaxation time. These results imply that the T2 relaxation time is extremely useful in interpreting the activity of Graves' disease and provide a diagnostic tool of prognostic value in monitoring and treating this disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Tissue characterization with T1, T2, and proton density values: results in 160 patients with brain tumors.

A method by which the tissue parameters - T1, T2, and proton density - can be measured simultaneously was used in 160 patients with brain tumors to test the complete potential of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for quantitative tissue characterization. MR tissue parameters of a wide variety of tumors, edema, white matter, and gray matter were determined. While normal brain tissues showed only small interindividual variations of tissue parameters, pathologic entities (tumor, edema) were characterized by wide ranges of T1, T2, and proton density values. The considerable overlapping of tissue parameters in different tumor entities, which were analyzed in a three-dimensional T1/T2/proton density space, indicates that a reliable diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of a quantitative evaluation of T1, T2, and proton density alone.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

[Proton spin tomography in childhood. Experience with 407 studies in 275 children and adolescents].

Over a period of three years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mostly neuroradiological, was performed 407 times in 275 children. It was found that MRI largely replaced previously applied imaging methods for solving oncological and neurological problems. The sensitivity of the method is poor for demonstrating small calcifications (computed tomography is better), for diffuse meningeal lesions (lumbar puncture is better), and diffuse spinal-canal metastases (myelography is better). The great advantage of the method lies in its low x-ray exposure because of the low field strength, and it can therefore be safely used repeatedly.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

[Congenital toxoplasmosis in Switzerland. Seroprevalence, risk factors and recommendations for prevention].

In 10,000 cord blood samples from the region of Basel (representing approximately equal to 42% of all live births of 1983 to 1985) anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were determined by agglutination and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) tests. 47.3% were seronegative. 2.8% (n = 283) exhibited high titers in IFA (greater than 300 IU/ml) suggestive of acute or persistent infection. Questionnaires on potential risk factors were sent to 280 mothers with high antibody titers ("cases"), and to 279 randomised seronegative mothers (controls); 388 questionnaires (75.3%) were returned. Compared to controls, infections in cases were significantly associated with farm work, flower production, or food industry, consumption of lamb meat or improperly heated beefsteak, cat ownership. Risks of infection were significantly reduced when meat was kept in the deep freezer, or by consumption of chicken (probably as a surrogate for lamb and beef meat). Cases had significantly lower average serum concentrations of beta-carotene and tocopherol than controls, while average retinol and cholesterol levels were comparable in both groups. The 283 cord blood samples from the cases were subjected to 4 serological tests for specific IgM and 41 samples were reactive in greater than or equal to 1 test. 35 of the 41 children were reinvestigated greater than or equal to 6 months after delivery. In 8 children specific IgM persisted. Review of delivery charts confirmed that all 8 were asymptomatic at the time of delivery. Also on follow-up clinical examinations were normal. The incidence of congenital, latent toxoplasmosis in the area is thus estimated to nearly 1/1000 live births. These data will be used to promote preventive measures in pregnant women.

Antibodies↗

PubMed1987

MRI of Listeria rhombencephalitis.

A case of Listeria rhombencephalitis in a patient, who was evaluated by MRI, is reported. MRI showed areas of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images in the rhombencephalon and confirmed the clinical diagnosis of a brainstem affection by Listeria monocytogenes.

Adult↗

PubMed1987

Long-term follow-up of children with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound after treatment of brain tumors.

This paper compares the results of MRI and US follow-up examinations of 46 children who had undergone surgery for brain tumors. The cases included 42 posterior fossa tumors, 3 supratentorial tumors and 1 upper cervical spinal cord tumor. US examination proved to be less specific and sensitive than MRI. However, when a "bone window" is available, US is, because of the ease of its application, better suited for frequent routine examinations. Long-term follow-up should, therefore, consist of frequent regular US examinations combined with yearly MRI examinations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Magnetic resonance imaging of postrepair-myelomeningocele--findings in 31 children and adolescents.

Magnetic resonance imaging has clearly demonstrated its efficacy in the diagnosis of pathological processes in the C.N.S. We examined 31 children who had undergone plastic closure of myelomeningocele a few days post partum. We could show that a high percentage of the patients (89%) presented the pathological anatomy of a tethered spinal cord; clinical symptoms of the tethered spinal cord syndrome, i.e. progressive neurological symptoms, however, are rarely observed. Possible revision of neurosurgical treatment of MMC is discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

Magnetic resonance imaging in infections of the brain: findings in tuberculosis, listeriosis, toxoplasmosis, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and multiple sclerosis.

A total of 6 patients with various inflammatory brain diseases were investigated by MRI. Typical diagnostic criteria like signal intensity, location, and morphology of the lesions are presented. MRI proves to be a highly sensitive method to detect encephalitic foci, which, however, suffers from a low specificity. Therefore additional informations like case history, clinical findings, and serological data have to be considered to find the correct diagnosis.

Brain↗

PubMed1987

Tolerance and nasal histopathologic effects of long-term, low-dose intranasal recombinant interferon alpha-2A (Roferon-A).

The dose-related tolerance and histopathologic effects of intranasal recombinant interferon alpha-2a (rIFN-alpha 2a) were determined in a blind study in which healthy subjects were randomized to receive sprays of interferon (IFN) (3 or 6 MU/day) or placebo for 28 days. Adverse nasal symptoms (bleeding, obstruction, irritation) tended to occur more often in the IFN 6 MU/day group. Blind analysis of biopsy samples collected before and after IFN treatment revealed that both IFN groups had significant histologic changes, most commonly an increased degree of lymphocytic infiltration in the subepithelium and underlying glandular zones. Changes developed in 61% of 18 recipients of IFN 6 MU/day, 37% of 19 recipients of IFN 3 MU/day, and 6% of 18 placebo recipients. Serum antibodies to rIFN-alpha 2a detectable by EIA were found in 4 recipients of IFN 3 MU/day and 2 recipients of IFN 6 MU/day, one-third of whom were positive by neutralization bioassay. The findings would predict that these rIFN-alpha 2a dosages would be associated with an excess of adverse side effects during long-term use in healthy adults.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed1987

[31-phosphorus spectroscopy of osteogenic sarcoma. Possibilities in therapy control in comparison with imaging methods].

31-phosphorus spectroscopy was used to control the results of chemotherapy in a patient with an osteogenic sarcoma. The findings were compared with conventional imaging methods (DSA, MRT and conventional radiography). The imaging methods do not provide reliable information regarding growth of tumour tissue during treatment, whereas the determination of phosphate concentration in the tumour provides direct information concerning tumour metabolism.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1987

[Initial clinical results of tissue characterization by T1, T2 and proton density in nuclear magnetic resonance tomography].

The NMR parameters (proton density, relaxation times T1 and T2) have been assessed by Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) spin echo sequences. A computer assisted analysis of the data of 21 patients with cerebral tumours allowed a classification of tumour tissue in different tumours. The use of quantitative procedures for tissue characterisation allows the differentiation of benign and malignant brain tissue by characteristic colour coding demonstrating morphological details like tumour, edema and necrosis as well as indicating the histological types of the tumours of the central nervous system.

Brain↗