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Biomedical subjects

P Capek

Publications and source records attributed to P Capek.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Major histocompatibility complex class II antigen expression in rejecting cardiac allografts: detection using in vivo imaging with radiolabeled monoclonal antibody.

BACKGROUND: Increased expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) antigen occurs during cardiac allograft rejection. We tested the hypotheses that (1) radiolabeled antibody to MHC-II antigen allows detection of cardiac allograft rejection using nuclear imaging techniques and (2) uptake of radiolabeled antibody to MHC-II antigen correlates with severity of rejection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirteen beagles with cervical cardiac allografts were studied for 64+/-23 days by use of myocardial biopsy and in vivo imaging. Uptake of radiolabeled (131I [n=2], 123I [n=1], or 111In [n=10]) antibody to MHC-II increased over baseline in 7 animals that developed histological evidence of progressively worsening allograft rejection (group A), from 72.2+/-46.1 to 176.8+/-102.0 counts/pixel/mCi (P<.009). In 4 beagles without progressively worsening allograft rejection (group B), uptake was unchanged during follow-up (74.4+/-43.8 and 60.2+/-37.4 counts/pixel/mCi; P=NS). In animals studied with 111In-labeled antibody, uptake increased from 102.9+/-23.1 at baseline to 233.2+/-82.7 counts/pixel/mCi at follow-up in group A animals (P=.036), with no significant change in group B (91.1+/-34.9 and 75.9+/-24.9 counts/pixel/mCi; P=NS). Uptake of 111In-labeled antibody was 107.5+/-35.7, 135.9+/-70.8, and 307.8+/-90.1 counts/pixel/mCi in biopsy samples showing evidence of mild, moderate, and severe rejection, respectively (P=.001). Biopsy samples showing mild, moderate, and intense MHC-II expression antibody uptake had uptakes of 92.6+/-36.3, 158.5+/-54.7, and 307.8+/-90.1 counts/pixel/mCi, respectively (P=.00004). CONCLUSIONS: Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies to MHC-II antigen can detect cardiac allograft rejection in this large mammal model of cardiac allograft transplantation, and this technique may have a potential role in the detection of rejection in patients after cardiac transplantation.

Animals↗

Improved left ventricular function after chronic left ventricular unloading.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effect of prolonged left ventricular unloading on native ventricular function. METHODS: We reviewed data from 31 patients (30 men, 1 woman) supported more than 30 days (mean, 137 days; range, 31 to 505 days) with the HeartMate left ventricular assist system. The patients' mean age was 46 years (range, 22 to 64 years); 17 had idiopathic and 14 had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Data (anatomic, physiologic, hemodynamic, histologic, and biochemical) were collected at the time of HeartMate implantation, during support with the device temporarily off, and at the time of device explantation. RESULTS: Routine chest roentgenogram showed improvement in cardiothoracic ratio (0.62 +/- 0.04 to 0.55 +/- 0.03; p < 0.0001). Echocardiography performed with the pump off showed a significant decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (6.81 +/- 0.87 cm to 5.39 +/- 1.08 cm; p < 0.0005) and a significant improvement in ejection fraction (0.11 +/- 0.05 to 0.22 +/- 0.17; p < 0.02). Cardiac index increased (1.96 +/- 0.52 L.min-1.m-2 to 2.93 +/- 0.73 L.min-1.m-2; p < 0.0001), mean aortic pressure increased (71.40 +/- 10.63 mm Hg to 76.33 +/- 16.84 mm Hg; p = 0.48), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased (24.18 +/- 6.27 mm Hg to 14.48 +/- 3.01 mm Hg; p < 0.0001), and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased (3.34 +/- 2.00 Wood units to 2.51 +/- 0.88 Wood units; p < 0.05). Comparisons of tissue samples taken at the time of implantation and at the time of transplantation showed a marked reduction in myocytolysis. Calcium uptake, calcium-binding rates, and lipid levels normalized in patients studied. Plasma norepinephrine levels decreased to near normal levels. CONCLUSION: Prospective studies are now indicated to determine whether device removal without transplantation may be beneficial in selected patients.

Adult↗

Enzymatic degradation of cell walls of apples and characterization of solubilized products.

Partially depectinated apple cell walls were digested by pectin lyase or endoglucanase or a combination. By combining these commercial enzymes, a higher yield of 22.2% of carbohydrate material was obtained compared with only 13.9% and 5.7%, respectively, when using them singly. Only small amounts of carbohydrates were extracted by buffer (0.8%). The solubilized extracts were fractionated using a combination of ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The individual subfractions were analysed for neutral sugar and uronic acid content. The results indicated the existence of a synergistic effect between pectin lyase and endoglucanase based on the percentage of material extracted.

Carbohydrates↗

Cardiac sarcoidosis. An unusual form of acute congestive cardiomyopathy.

We report the case of a previously healthy 45-year-old white man in whom sustained ventricular tachycardia and severe myocardial dysfunction were the only signs of cardiac sarcoidosis. Diagnosis was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy, and the patient responded well to treatment with amiodarone and prednisone.

Biopsy↗

Methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside, mannooligosaccharides and yeast mannans inhibit development of rat adjuvant arthritis.

Methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside, mannooligosaccharides obtained by acetolysis of yeast mannan, and pure mannans isolated from the cell walls of pathogenic (Candida albicans) and nonpathogenic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) yeasts were used for treatment of rat adjuvant arthritis. The arthritis was induced by the application of Freund's complete adjuvant into the tail region of rats. The mannose substances were injected into the arthritic rats intraperitonealy at different time intervals. Levels of serum albumin, changes in hindpaws swelling and radiographs were measured in infected rats as variables of the inflammation and destructive arthritic changes. While mannan from C. albicans inhibited both the inflammation and destructive arthritic changes, mannan from S. cerevisiae showed less effect. However, acetolysate of S. cerevisiae mannan as well as simple methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside inhibited both inflammation and destructive arthritic changes to a similar degree as mannan isolated from C. albicans. The effect, which is not dose dependent indicates its possible immunoregulatory mechanism. This is the first time a therapeutic effect of simple carbohydrates on rat adjuvant arthritis has been described.

Animals↗

Ligand recognition by purified human mannose receptor.

In this work we examine the carbohydrate binding properties of human placental mannose receptor (HMR) using a rapid and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent microplate assay. The assay is based on the inhibition of binding of highly purified receptor to yeast mannan-coated 96-well plates. The specificity of ligand binding was inferred from the potency of different saccharides in blocking HMR binding to the mannan-coated wells. The relative inhibitory potency of monosaccharides was L-Fuc greater than D-Man greater than D-Glc greater than D-GlcNAc greater than Man-6-P much greater than D-Gal much greater than L-Rha much greater than GalNAc. The inhibitory potency of mannose increased by two orders of magnitude when linear oligomers were used. Oligomers containing alpha-1-3- and alpha-1-6-linked mannose residues were more inhibitory than those containing alpha-1-2- and alpha-1-4-linked mannoses. Linear or branched oligomannosides larger than three units did not have a significant influence on their inhibitory potency; rather, potency was found to decrease in comparison with oligomannosides with three units. Compared to linear oligomers, inhibition of binding was the best using branched mannose oligosaccharides, alpha-D-Man-bovine serum albumin conjugates, or mannan. A model is discussed in which branched ligand is bound to spatially distinct sites on the HMR.

Binding, Competitive↗

[Antitussive action of extracts and polysaccharides of marsh mallow (Althea officinalis L., var. robusta)].

The complex extract and the polysaccharide isolated from the roots of marsh mallow were tested for antitussive activity in unanaesthetized cats of both sexes. Cough was elicited by mechanical stimulation of laryngopharyngeal and tracheobronchial mucous area of the respiratory system with a Nylon fibre (diameter 0.35 mm). Cough was evaluated on the basis of the changes in lateral tracheal pressure. The polysaccharide and the complex extract were administered p.o. in a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w., respectively. The efficiency of the mentioned compounds was compared with the cough-suppressing effect of drugs belonging to the non-narcotic antitussics. The results of the experiments showed that administration of the polysaccharide led to a statistically significant decrease of the number of cough efforts both from laryngopharyngeal and tracheobronchial areas of the the respiratory system. The polysaccharide in a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. was as effective in inhibition of the cough reflex as Sirupus Althaeae in a dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w. and more effective than prenoxdiazine in a dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. However, the cough-suppressing effect of the polysaccharide was lower than that of dropropizine. The extract was less effective than the polysaccharide.

Animals↗

Base-catalyzed degradation of permethylated 3-O-glycosyl- glycopyranosid-2-uloses.

In a modification of the Svensson degradation, otherwise permethylated glycopyranosid-2-uloses bearing 4-O-glycosyl substituents are formed by the Swern oxidation. Base-catalyzed elimination on treatment with triethylamine then gives 4-deoxy-3-O-methylglyc-3-enopyranosid-2-ulose-terminat ed oligosaccharides with liberation of glycosyl substituents as reducing sugars but without further degradation. Mild acid hydrolysis results in removal of the unsaturated sugar residues so that the overall depolymerization occurs with net loss only of the initially oxidized sugar residue.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

A novel L-fuco-4-O-methyl-D-glucurono-D-xylan from Hyptis suaveolens.

The acidic polysaccharide from the seed-coat mucilage of Hyptis suaveolens is a highly branched L-fuco-4-O-methyl-D-glucurono-D-xylan for which a structure is proposed having a 4-linked beta-D-xylan backbone carrying side chains of single 4-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucuronic acid residues at O-2 and 2-O-L-fucopyranosyl-D-xylopyranose units at O-3. The structural analysis involves base-catalyzed beta-elimination of uronic acid residues from the methylated glycan followed by degradation using a modified Svensson oxidation-elimination sequence.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

[Techniques of endoscopic treatment of malignant colorectal adenomas with respect to the subsequent prognosis of the patients].

Since 1981 we detected in 45 patients (28 men, 17 women) 31 adenomas with severe dysplasia (ATD; formerly intramucous carcinoma) and 22 invasive carcinomas in the adenoma (IK penetrating beneath the muscularis mucosae). 95% of all findings were in the left colon before the lienal flexure. Patients with ATD were subjected only to endoscopic operation; of 22 of the subjects with IK 15 were recommended for surgery, and endoscopic treatment alone was provided to seven patients. Forty subjects were followed up on a long-term basis (on average for 34 months). Of 23 patients with ATD one female patient died from ischaemic heart disease, the remainder survive without signs of colorectal carcinoma. Of 17 subjects with IK followed up on a long-term basis five died (all after surgery as a result of generalization of the disease). All 7 patients with IK who had only endoscopic treatment survive without signs of relapse of the disease. In patients with ATD the authors consider EP as the definite therapeutic method, if it is feasible from the technical aspect. Patients with ATD and IK who were subjected to EP are checked after 6 weeks. A total coloscopic check-up is made subsequently in subjects with IK during the first year twice a year and in later years once a year, in subjects with ATD after annual intervals for a period of 5-6 years.

Adenoma↗

Femoropopliteal angioplasty. Factors influencing long-term success.

Prospective data was recorded on 217 percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures performed in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries over an 8-year period. After the initial procedure, patients were followed with serial noninvasive studies and, in 71 patients, repeat angiography. The mean follow-up period was 7 years (range, 2-11 years). Standard life-table survival analysis was used to assess the factors potentially affecting long-term outcome. Excluding an initial technical failure rate of 10%, overall patencies at 1, 3, and 5 years were 81%, 61%, and 58%, respectively. After the first year, the prognosis (i.e., failure rate) appears to be linear over the long term (i.e., up to 10 years). Factors negatively influencing long-term patency include the presence of diabetes mellitus, diffuse atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or threatened limb loss. Technical factors correlated with failure include lesion length, moderate eccentricity, and a poor post-PTA appearance.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗

[Expression of CA 19-9 in tubular and tubulovillous adenomas of the descending and sigmoid colon and the rectum with respect to morphologic differentiation characteristics and the adenoma-carcinoma sequence].

Expression of CA19-9 was studied in 29 adenomas and 6 adenocarcinomas of the distal colon in rectum. The authors did not find an unequivocal correlation between expression of CA19-9 and the morphological differentiation. Expression of CA19-9 was recorded twice in epithelia of normal mucosa.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[The so-called sclerosing hemangioma of the lungs].

A 12-year old girl had a focal density in the lung found by checking CT. Structural features were those of the so called sclerosing hemangioma. Analysis of structure in various methods and of references supported authors' interpretation that lesion represented a late consequence of pecul a obliterative mainly venous process with prevailing plasmacytic feature. Characteristic segmental destructive venous lesion conused segmental obliterat on and hyalinization. Similarity of the lesion to intravascular fasciitis was discussed. Peripheral accumulation of pneumocytes around the lesion seemed to be secondary. To name it pneumocytoma would be unproper and a possibility of vascular tumorous character could not based on respectable analogies. A closer etiopathogenetic specification of the so called sclerosing hemangioma of the lung remains to be accomplished.

Child↗

[Methodologic aspects of immunoperoxidase technics].

In attempt to standardize immunoperoxidase tests many partial methodological experiments were performed and the results discussed. The proved processing included purification of peroxidase conjugates, sequential administering in double indirect immunoperoxidase method (double sandwich). A high level dilution of primary antibodies and lengthening of incubation were recommended. Silicagel and vaseline rim round sections were found advantageous for improving adhesion of paraffin sections.

Immunoenzyme Techniques↗