A subcutaneous delta-positive T-cell lymphoma that produces interferon gamma.
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Aged↗
Biomedical subjects
M Wilhelm
Publications and source records attributed to M Wilhelm.
Monitoring of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc status in young children using toenails: comparison with scalp hair.
Cadmium, copper, lead and zinc concentrations were determined (atomic absorption spectrometry) in the proximal end of scalp hair (n = 474) and in toenail clippings (n = 461) of children, aged 3-7 years, living in an industrialized and in a rural area of the Federal Republic of Germany. With the exception of Zn in hair, levels of the elements were log-normally distributed. Data are presented as geometric means. Toenail Cd and Pb levels were much higher than those in hair (Cd, 457 vs 90 ng g-1; Pb, 8.5 vs 2.7 micrograms g-1), while Cu and Zn values were similar in both biological media (toenail vs hair: Cu, 7.5 vs 10.6 micrograms g-1; Zn, 129 vs 108 micrograms g-1). In toenails, all elements were positively correlated with each other. In hair, there was a close relationship only between Cd and Pb; Cd and Pb were inversely related to Zn. With the exception of Zn (no correlation), there was a minor relationship between metal levels in hair and those in toenails. Using stepwise regression analysis, seasonal variation was found to be the main factor influencing hair metal levels, while nail metal levels were mainly influenced by place of residence (with the exception of Cu concentrations, for which there were no significant predictors). Multiple correlation coefficient was higher for hair than for nails. It is concluded that, for biological monitoring, toenail clippings are less suitable than hair samples.
Adult↗
Prevention of anastomosis leakage: an artificial connective tissue.
Anastomosis leakage still causes considerable morbidity and mortality after digestive tract surgery. We report here our experience of the use of reconstituted connective tissue created from elastin, fibronectin and collagen in preventing anastomosis leakage and closing intestinal fistulas. In animal studies (56 rats), this connective tissue was used as a patch applied with fibrin sealant to the edges of a 1 cm diameter colonic defect. In a clinical evaluation, eight patients had an intestinal fistula closed by a simple sewn suture reinforced by a sealed patch and seven patients had a high risk anastomosis reinforced by a sealed patch, in most cases as an alternative to staged surgery. In animal studies, complete reconstitution of the three colonic layers was obtained without retraction and without inflammatory reaction within 40 days, while the patch was slowly resorbed. In clinical trials all 15 defects and anastomoses healed without complication. Three patients died from other causes and, at autopsy, the patch was found to have remained in place covering the suture line. If these results are confirmed by a prospective clinical trial, such biomaterial offers the possibility of reducing the occurrence of anastomosis leakage, especially in high risk circumstances.
Adult↗
Optimizing the promoter and ribosome binding sequence for expression of human single chain urokinase-like plasminogen activator in Escherichia coli and stabilization of the product by avoiding heat shock response.
The expression of recombinant single-chain urokinase-like plasminogen activator (rscuPA) in Escherichia coli was optimized by fusing the puk gene to different promoters and ribosome binding sequences. Comparison of the tac, trp and lambda PL promoters showed that expression was maximal under tac control. Variation in the ribosome binding sequence and its distance to the AUG start codon yielded a further slight improvement of expression. The largest increase in rscuPA expression was achieved by variations in the host strain and growth conditions. In E. coli DG75 grown at 37 degrees C maximal expression was achieved 30 min after induction and decreased gradually until 240 min after induction. Growth at 30 degrees C yielded maximal expression 60 min after induction and resulted in reduced activity at longer times. Western blot analysis of the products showed that degradation of rscuPA was much larger at 37 degrees C than at 30 degrees C. Using E. coli CAG630 carrying the htpR mutation, which avoids heat shock response, for expression of rscuPA eliminated the instability of the product at both temperatures. Expression in this strain was even more efficient than in E. coli JM101 carrying the lon mutation. It is concluded that induction of the general heat-shock response in E. coli must be avoided to obtain stabilization of rscuPA. This drastically improves the overall yield of rscuPA from recombinant E. coli strains.
Base Sequence↗
Successful orthotopic liver transplantation in a patient with refractory biliary candidiasis.
The authors present a nonimmunocompromised patient who developed refractory fungal (Candida albicans) cholangitis and who subsequently underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation for progressive destruction of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Liver biopsy specimens showed periductal abscesses, and cholangiograms showed rapidly progressive destruction of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Standard immunosuppressive therapy and perioperative amphotericin B were administered. At 6 months, the patient was clinically well with no evidence of recurrent biliary candidiasis. The authors suggest that orthotopic liver transplantation may be a reasonable therapeutic option for patients with refractory biliary candidiasis.
Candidiasis↗
Regulation of IL-4 responsiveness in lymphoma B cells.
The responsiveness to IL-4 with and without costimulation with anti-IgM antibodies or phorbolester was studied in 35 cases of low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma by analyzing enhancement of CD23 and HLA class II expression. The predominant phenotype responds directly to IL-4. Separate differentiation states can be distinguished according to coordinate or differential upregulation of CD23 and HLA class II molecules by IL-4 alone, and differences in responsiveness to anti-IgM antibodies. A particular subgroup of B-lymphoma cells defines a separate stage of B-cell differentiation. They fail to express high affinity binding sites for IL-4 and accordingly do not respond to IL-4-mediated signals. Cross-linking membrane IgM receptors or direct activation of protein kinase C via phorbolester induces IL-4 receptor expression and subsequent IL-4 reactivity.
Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗
The increase of membrane capacitance as a consequence of radiation-induced lipid peroxidation.
The electrical capacitance of lipid membranes may increase by up to 50% on exposure to ionizing radiation. This is the consequence of lipid peroxidation induced by primary or secondary radicals of water radiolysis in the presence of oxygen. The polar products of this process give rise to an increase of the dielectric constant of the membrane. This in turn leads to the increase of membrane capacitance observed. An important consequence of this phenomenon is the reduction of the inner energy barrier between the two membrane/water interfaces influencing the movement of charged particles across the membrane. Thus the comparatively small change of the dielectric constant gives rise to the large increase in membrane conductance (by up to several orders of magnitude) observed in the presence of macrocyclic ion carriers of the valinomycin type (Strässle et al. 1987b). The results were obtained applying a novel method to measure time-dependent changes of the capacitance of planar lipid membranes.
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗
[Coping processes in selected groups of chronically ill patients].
The concept of coping has gained a central importance in research on chronic disease. Underlying methodological aspects are briefly reviewed. This study examined the psychological and behavioral correlates of major coping strategies used by medically ill patients in dealing with their illness (N = 48 patients with myocardial infarction and 48 patients with liver-complaints) during the rehabilitation. Coping response was measured by the "Stressverarbeitungsfragebogen" by Janke et al. (1985), while other variables (psycho-social factors) were tapped by a variety of self-report, test measures (Zerssen-Scale-1976-for emotional state) as well as by interview data in a time of three years (longitudinal study). Significant differences were found for each of the patient-groups. Effectiveness of coping appeared to be negatively linked to frequent use of "avoidance" and "resignation" in patients with psycho-social strain. The choice of a specific coping strategy is most likely multidetermined and depends of the connection with illness-state and is changed over time. The knowledge of coping strategy preferences has a very important function for the relationship between physician and patient and process of rehabilitation.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
[Effects of amalgam on cells of the immune system].
Dental amalgam has been considered to have adverse side effects on the immune system. There are controversial reports, which indicate an increase as well as a decrease in peripheral blood lymphocyte counts due to amalgam fillings. We investigated 2 groups of patients: one group was treated with amalgam restorations for the first time. In the other group all previous amalgam fillings were removed. Before and after treatment we determined the absolute and relative numbers of granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, T cells, B cells, suppressor T cells, helper T cells and NK cells. In addition, functional investigations of T cells were performed. In conclusion, we could not find any effect of amalgam restorations on the immune system regarding the investigated parameters.
Adolescent↗
Intestinal absorption of aluminium: studies in the isolated perfused rat intestinal preparation.
Aluminium (Al) absorption was studied using an isolated in vitro vascularly perfused rat intestinal preparation. Al was introduced into the lumen as AlCl3, Al(NO3)3 or Al lactate to give final concentrations equivalent to 0.625, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, or 10.00 g/L of Al. The intestinal tissue remained viable up to 5.0 g/L of Al. The amount of Al associated with intestinal tissue after 90 min increased with the concentration up to 5 g/L of Al for chloride and nitrate and 10 g/L of Al for lactate. The time course of Al disappearance from the lumen followed a single exponential decay when the intestinal lumen was perfused with 0.625 g/L of Al as the chloride salt. The total amount of Al appearing in the vascular perfusate after 90 min was always small. Absorption quotes ranged between 0.005-3.2% depending on the salt and concentration used. Addition of transferrin to the VM caused a 2-fold increase in the amount of Al appearing in the vascular effluent in comparison with controls when 1.25 g/L of Al as AlCl3 was introduced into the lumen. Al tissue content was not affected.
Aluminum↗
Characterization of an acute T lymphoblastic leukemia expressing the gamma/delta T-cell receptor.
Leukemic cells of a 20 year old patient, suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, were characterized by surface marker and functional analysis. A significant cell population within this type of leukemia expresses concomitantly the CD4 and CD8 antigen on the same cell and might represent a new differentiation stage of T-cells with the gamma/delta receptor. The leukemic cells show a distinct pattern of growth response to mitogens and lymphokines, which might correlate to their differentiation stage. Moreover, a "natural killer"-like activity can be induced in these cells by IL-2.
Adult↗
Cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc concentrations in human scalp and pubic hair.
Cadmium, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations were measured in the first 3 cm of the proximal end of scalp hair and in pubic hair of 41 humans, by atomic absorption spectrometry. Data are presented as geometric means. Scalp hair (SH) metal levels were higher than those in pubic hair (PH), (Cd, 85.1 vs 60.8 ng g-1; Cu, 17.7 vs 11.9 micrograms g-1; Pb, 1.72 vs 1.05 micrograms g-1; Zn, 148.8 vs 133.3 micrograms g-1) with correlation coefficients of: Cd, r = 0.474; Cu, r = 0.549; Pb, r = 0.576; and Zn, r = 0.263. Further correlations were established between Cd and Pb levels (SH, r = 0.691; PH, r = 0.621) as well as between Cd and Zn levels (SH, r = -0.268). In PH the Cd, Cu, and Pb levels of males were higher than those of females, whereas the Zn levels were lower in SH and PH of males. Scalp hair Zn contents were inversely related to age. Cadmium and Pb levels in SH and PH were higher in summer than in winter, whereas the SH Zn contents were higher in winter. An influence of place of residence, smoking habit, hair colour and hair structure on SH and PH metal levels is identified. It is concluded that hair metal analysis in samples close to the scalp is not seriously invalidated by sources of external contamination.
Adolescent↗
[Chronic aluminum poisoning in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: treatment with deferoxamine].
After six years of home haemodialysis and two years of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis a 59-year-old woman developed an aluminium-induced osteopathy, myopathy and normochromic anaemia. She was at first treated with intravenous, then peritoneal, deferoxamine, 1 g every other day. Before treatment, 15.8 micrograms aluminium (Al) had been eliminated daily, with a peritoneal clearance of 0.3 ml/min; after intravenous deferoxamine a mean of 774.3 +/- 102.3 micrograms Al was eliminated per day, after peritoneal deferoxamine 646.7 +/- 89.6 micrograms of Al per day, with a peritoneal clearance of 2.2 +/- 0.9 (intravenous) and 1.9 +/- 0.7 ml/min (intraperitoneal). After four months of deferoxamine administration, mostly intraperitoneally as an out-patient, the osteomalacia clearly improved, as did the myopathy and anaemia.
Aluminum↗
[Elimination of aluminum via continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis].
Aluminum concentrations in the dialysate and serum of 14 patients on CAPD were measured every six months. Additionally, in ten of the patients Al elimination was measured after a bolus ingestion of 1800 mg aluminium-chloride-hydroxide-complex. There was no significant difference between serum Al concentrations initially (47.3 +/- 8.2 micrograms/l), at six months (55.4 +/- 9.5 micrograms/l), and after 12 months (44.3 +/- 10.1 micrograms/l) although the Al concentration in the dialysate had been decreased from 16.6 +/- 2.3 micrograms/l to 1.5 +/- 0.2 in the last six months. The Al concentrations in the effluent dialysate were 14.5 +/- 1.3 micrograms/l initially, 15.6 +/- 1.2 micrograms/l after six months and 11.9 +/- 2.6 micrograms/l after 12 months. During kinetic studies a constant rise of serum Al concentration was found until the fifth hour, from 29.9 +/- 2.5 to 42.5 +/- 4.0, and a decline after 24 hours to 32.4 +/- 3.0 micrograms/l. The quantity of Al eliminated was 41.1 +/- 8.7 micrograms/24 h, equivalent to 1.2% of the ingested dose. In patients with residual renal function, renal Al clearance was almost double the peritoneal one. These results indicate that Al elimination by CAPD is not efficient and ingestion of Al-containing phosphate binders can result in Al accumulation.
Adolescent↗
Serum aluminium levels of intensive care patients treated with two different antacids for prevention of stress ulceration.
We studied the serum aluminum levels of 30 intensive care patients receiving six daily doses of magaldrate (Riopan) or aluminium hydroxide (Trigastril). In both groups we found a significant rise of the serum aluminium concentration (p less than 0.01) following administration of the antacid solutions. Examination on day 9 and 15 the magaldrate group showed significantly (p less than 0.05) lower aluminium levels than the aluminium hydroxide group. An increase up to the critical serum aluminium level of 100 ng/ml occurred in none of the patients that all had normal or slightly impaired renal function. Therefore routine measurements of serum aluminium levels in patients without renal impairment are not considered necessary following antacid therapy. However, we recommend the use of antacids with an aluminium absorption rate as low as possible.
Adult↗
Renal clearance of aluminium: studies in the isolated perfused rat kidney.
The model of isolated rat kidney was used to study the renal handling of aluminium (Al). The kidney function remained unchanged at perfusate concentrations of Al in a range of 0.04-12.4 micrograms/ml during a perfusion period of 60 min. The clearance values of Al decreased with increasing concentrations of Al in the perfusate. The fractional Al clearance was reduced from 70% at the lowest Al concentration in the perfusate to 8.2% at the highest Al concentration. The Al content of the kidneys increased dose-dependently and reached a maximum value of 4 micrograms Al per kidney at a perfusate concentration of 5 micrograms Al/ml. Protein-binding studies with Al confirmed the suggestion that renal elimination of Al is dependent on the degree of Al binding. It is proposed that at low Al load in the plasma, the kidney possesses the capability to eliminate Al in an effective manner.
Aluminum↗
Aspects of molecular biology and biochemistry of the cardiac renin-angiotensin system.
1. Recent evidence for the existence of extrarenal tissue renin-angiotensin systems has raised the question of whether such a system also exists in the heart. 2. Evidence is presented for a cardiac renin-angiotensin system based on molecular biological and biochemical data. In addition, the question of whether the components of this system interact as a locally integrated, biologically functioning unit is addressed. 3. Using radio-labelled cRNA probes prepared from specific cDNA fragments, renin and angiotensin gene expression in atria and ventricles of the rat heart have been documented by Northern blot and liquid hybridization analysis. Relative signal strength for both mRNAs was highest in the atria, followed by the right and left ventricle. 4. Using specific, h.p.l.c.-controlled RIAs for angiotensin peptides, the presence of both angiotensin I and angiotensin II in all anatomical regions of the monkey and rat heart have been demonstrated; similarly, presence of converting enzyme activity was also ascertained by direct in vitro determinations. 5. Additional experiments evaluating the spontaneous release of angiotensin from rat isolated, perfused hearts revealed a bimodal pattern of high, but rapidly declining rates during the first hour (perhaps representing washout of a pool sequestrated from plasma), followed by a prolonged period of steady, low level release, consistent with the secretion of locally synthesized protein. 6. In separate experiments aimed at examining the possible local integration of the components of the cardiac renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin II concentrations were measured in the coronary sinus effluent of rat isolated, perfused hearts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Animals↗