The effect of transpulmonary pressure on airway smooth-muscle contraction.
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Airway Resistance↗
Biomedical subjects
P Graf
Publications and source records attributed to P Graf.
Direct chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for muramyl tripeptide phosphatidyl-ethanolamine in plasma.
A competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay for quantitation of muramyl tripeptide phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (MTP-PE) in plasma has been developed. The assay is based on the use of an acridinium ester-labelled analogue of muramyl tripeptide and a rabbit antiserum. It includes an overnight incubation and a separation with a second antibody covalently coupled to paramagnetic particles. The sensitivity of detection is 0.012 nmol/l, the assay working range is 0.1-5 nmol/l, and the inter-assay CVs are less than or equal to 10%. Using up to 6000-fold sample dilutions, a wide working range (0.1-30,000 nmol/l) is obtained. Rat plasma samples were collected during and one day after intravenous infusion of MTP-PE. Following infusion, the concentrations in plasma declined multiphasically. Half-life time was 0.37 h +/- 0.03 (mean +/- SD, alpha phase) and 1.76 h +/- 0.08 (mean +/- SD, beta phase), clearance and volume of distribution were 0.09 +/- 0.02 l/h x kg (mean +/- SD) and 0.06 +/- 0.01 l/kg (mean +/- SD) respectively. The use of an acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent (CL) label overcomes the problems associated with reagents of limited shelf-life.
Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗
Nonverbal local context cues explicit but not implicit memory.
Memory research distinguishes two components of episodes--the event or item and the spatial-temporal setting or context in which it occurred. The word context is used either globally to denote the physical, social, or emotional environment at study and test or it is used locally to refer to another word or picture that was paired with a particular target. In this article, we report four experiments that investigated the influence of two different nonverbal local contexts on explicit word recognition and implicit word identification test performance. In each experiment, university students studied words that were displayed against various extra-item local contexts, and the contexts were either the same or different at study and test. What differed across experiments was the nature of the contexts: for Experiments 1 and 2, it was a band of color that stretched across the computer screen, and for Experiments 3 and 4, the context was a colored line drawing. The combined findings from all experiments provide no evidence of memory context effects (MCE) on priming. By contrast, recognition test performance showed reliable MCEs but only when the local context was a concrete drawing or when it was a color that was target-related or appropriate. The discussion compared these findings with those from previous studies that concerned the cueing effectiveness of verbal and nonverbal extra-item contexts.
Adult↗
Replantation surgery.
From 1975 to 1988, replantation operations of fingers or hands were performed in 2,040 patients at the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Technical University Munich, Germany. The meticulous repair of blood vessels is still the most important step for a successful replantation. The liberal use of vein grafts very often makes replantations possible even in avulsion and crush injuries. The best functional results are achieved in replantations of distal finger parts, because an intact proximal interphalangeal joint and tendon apparatus guarantees almost a full range of motion. Age alone is not an exclusionary factor for replantation. Even 70 or 80 year old patients can achieve a satisfying functional result after replantation. Replantation as a matter of course is indicated in every amputation. Nevertheless, the extent of tissue damage, patient age and general health condition as well as the patient's wishes regarding a replantation have to be considered before performing a replantation. In addition, only continuous, long-term physical therapy be specialized physical therapists and the continuous postoperative attention of the surgeon ensure a satisfying result.
Amputation, Traumatic↗
Morbidity of the groin flap transfer: are we getting something for nothing?
The morbidity of pedicled groin flap transfer for upper extremity soft tissue reconstruction was investigated in 24 patients. The problems of the transferred flaps and of the donor site, and associated illness after the operation, are reported. The morbidity of groin flaps should be considered carefully, especially if transfer is planned in older patients.
Adolescent↗
NADPH-dependent oxidation of reduced ebselen, 2-selenylbenzanilide, and of 2-(methylseleno)benzanilide catalyzed by pig liver flavin-containing monooxygenase.
The selenazole ring-opened metabolites of ebselen, 2-selenylbenzanilide and 2-(methylseleno)benzanilide, are substrates for flavin-containing monooxygenase from pig liver. The Km values were 25 and 3 microM, respectively, measured at 37 degrees C, pH 7.4, in the presence of 1 mM GSH. The Vmax values were 390 mU/mg of protein, similar to those obtained with methimazole or other substrates for FMO1. Although ebselen also appears to be a substrate in the absence of GSH, it progressively inactivates the enzyme, apparently by binding covalently to essential enzyme thiols. The oxidation products of the selenol and methylseleno derivatives are rapidly reduced by GSH, regenerating the parent substrates. Rapid reduction of the selenide oxide by GSH was unexpected and suggests that, unlike S-oxidation of sulfides, Se-oxidation of selenides may be a route for bioactivation. The data show that in the presence of FMO1 micromolar amounts of either of these ring-opened metabolites establish a futile cycle catalyzing the oxidation of GSH to GSSG by NADPH and oxygen.
Anilides↗
Nasal mucosal swelling and reactivity during a menstrual cycle.
INTRODUCTION: Nasal stuffiness is a great problem for many women in the later part of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate whether oestrogen causes nasal congestion and/or a hyperreactive reaction of the nasal mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten healthy fertile women were examined during menstruation. Nasal mucosal congestion was studied with rhinostereometry and acoustic rhinometry. The nasal mucosa was challenged with 3 doses of histamine solution to study nasal reactivity. Measurements were made 3 times during menstruation. To find the exact time of ovulation, when oestrogen reaches its peak value, intravaginal ultrasound tests were done and blood samples taken, to determine the oestrogen and progesterone levels. RESULTS: The nasal mucosa became hyperreactive to histamine in connection with ovulation, when the blood level of oestrogen reached its peak. This does not occur during the menstrual or the luteal phase. No significant alteration was found in the baseline position during the menstruation. CONCLUSION: There is a connection between high oestrogen level and nasal mucosal reactivity.
Adult↗
Evaluation of a new method for assessing symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Many studies in rhinology are based on results from symptom scoring. Numerous methods are used to estimate symptoms. With some of them the patients choose between various alternatives for estimating the severity of their symptoms, but the commonest method is the visual analogue scale (VAS), which is regarded as reliable. METHODS: In this study, we evaluate a new method for assessing symptoms, with which the patient uses the telephone to call a computer. We compare the results using the new method with those using symptoms estimation with VAS. RESULTS: The results are based on 487 observations in patients with birch pollen allergic rhinitis in the pollen season. A high correlation was found between the results using the new method and those using the VAS. In a questionnaire, the patients answered questions concerning the two methods. Most patients preferred the new telephone method. They found it easier to estimate their symptoms properly and easier to perform. CONCLUSION: We conclude that telephone scoring of symptoms is a reliable and adequate method when symptom scoring is used as hard data in a study.
Humans↗
Decongestion effect and rebound swelling of the nasal mucosa during 4-week use of oxymetazoline.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether long-term use of oxymetazoline induces a rebound swelling of the nasal mucosa and whether the decongestion effect is altered during medication. Eight healthy volunteers had oxymetazoline nasal spray (0.5 mg/ml; 0.1 ml in each nostril, three times daily) for 30 days and registrations of the mucosal surface positions were made using rhinostereometry. Compared to the registrations before the start of medication, no rebound swelling was registered after 10 days. After 30 days, however, a rebound swelling was registered in all subjects (p < 0.001). All of them, then, also reported nasal stuffiness. The decongested position of the nasal mucosa after one single dose of oxymetazoline was the same in the whole study. It is concluded that rhinitis medicamentosa develops after a relatively short time on oxymetazoline, even in healthy volunteers, and that the swelling probably is due to a vasodilatation rather than an edema. The study supports the recommendation that the drug should not be used over periods > 10 days.
Adult↗
The nasal reactivity in patients with nasal polyps.
Nasal polyposis is a common clinical problem. The polyps commonly arise from the ethmoid sinuses and the etiology is still poorly understood. There is a connection between nasal polyps and asthma, cystic fibrosis and aspirin intolerance, but it is unclear whether there is a connection between nasal polyps and nasal hyperreactivity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a connection between nasal hyperreactivity and nasal polyposis. Ten patients with nasal polyposis entered the trial. The nasal reactivity was studied with rhinostereometry during provocation with histamine. It was found that the patients with polyps did not have any nasal hyperreactivity.
Adolescent↗
Correlation between objective nasal mucosal swelling and estimated stuffiness during long-term use of vasoconstrictors.
The correlation between nasal mucosal swelling and estimated stuffiness was evaluated in 13 healthy volunteers who entered the trial. The nasal mucosa was challenged with increasing concentrations of histamine solutions. The amount of mucosal swelling was recorded using rhinostereometry, and the stuffiness was estimated by the subjects on a visual analogue scale. Then the subjects were randomly chosen to receive either oxy- or xylometazoline nasal spray for 30 days. After 10 days on the drug, the histamine sensitivity was enhanced, and after another 20 days, it had increased further, reflecting the development of rhinitis medicamentosa. Before the subjects started the nasal spray and after 10 days on the drug, a correlation between stuffiness and swelling was seen in the individual subject only when the degree of stuffiness almost obliterated the nasal opening. At the end of the month, no correlation was present. In all histamine provocations throughout the month, a very high correlation was noted between mean mucosal swelling and mean stuffiness. It is concluded that the symptom scores for nasal obstruction are useful for determining nasal mucosal swelling in groups. However, in the individual subjects one can estimate the mucosal swelling only when the amount of swelling almost obliterates the nasal opening. This cannot be done when the mucosa is hyperreactive.
Drug Eruptions↗
Airway reactivity of nose and bronchi in patients with nasal polyps.
The aim of the study was to determine whether patients with nasal polyps have a hyperreactive nasal mucosa and/or bronchi and whether there is any correlation between nasal and bronchial hyperreactivity. Twenty-six healthy volunteers and 10 consecutive patients with nasal polyps participated in the study. They were challenged with increasing concentrations of histamine. The nasal mucosa response was studied with rhinostereometry and the bronchial response was estimated by peak flow. One of the patients was mildly hyperreactive in the nose and 6 patients were hyperreactive in the bronchi. There was no correlation between nasal and bronchial hyperreactivity. Patients with nasal polyps do not have a hyperreactive nasal mucosa but there seems to be a high incidence of bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with nasal polyps.
Adult↗
One-week use of oxymetazoline nasal spray in patients with rhinitis medicamentosa 1 year after treatment.
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with rhinitis medicamentosa who stopped using the topical vasoconstrictors may use these drugs again more than 1 year later. Eight patients received oxymetazoline nasal spray containing benzalkonium chloride 3 times daily for 7 days, 13-19 months after they had stopped using nasal decongestant sprays containing benzalkonium chloride. Before starting the course of treatment and after its conclusion, recordings of the mucosal surface positions were made with rhinostereometry, followed by histamine challenge tests. Symptoms of nasal stuffiness were estimated on visual analogue scales (0-100). After 7 days, nasal stuffiness, estimated by symptom scores and measurements of nasal mucosa swelling, was found, as well as an increased histamine sensitivity, which was interpreted as a sign of nasal hyperreactivity. In conclusion, patients with rhinitis medicamentosa who overuse topical decongestants and are able to stop using such drugs should be careful about taking these drugs again, even for a few days. They must be informed about the fast onset of rebound congestion upon repeated use in order to avoid the return of the vicious circle of nose drop abuse.
Administration, Intranasal↗
[Post-traumatic hemarthrosis of the knee. Diagnostic steps and value of arthroscopy].
The authors report their experience of the arthroscopic diagnosis of acute traumatic hemarthrosis of the knee. They point out the value of testing stability under anaesthesia. A very important laxity, according to severe damage of peripheric structures and cruciate ligaments, need surgical repair. Otherwise, in all cases with minor instability, arthroscopy is very useful: some arthrotomies are so avoided, some associated lesions were diagnosed. Any way arthroscopy is reported to allow adequate treatment of traumatic hemarthrosis of the knee.
Arthroscopy↗
Survey of malathion exposure among elevator and dock workers who handle grain.
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British Columbia↗