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Biomedical subjects

P Wolf

Publications and source records attributed to P Wolf.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

[Remarkable restricted tuberculosis epidemics in 2001/2002 in two Bavarian regions].

Even if the incidence is further decreasing, tuberculosis must not be underestimated in Germany. In 2001, the public health service revealed four noteworthy molecular-biologically substantiated tuberculosis infection chains in Upper Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. An alcohol-addict frequenting the table reserved for regulars in an inn located in the district of E. was the origin for a small epidemic with seven tuberculosis cases, whereof six were contagious. In the district of D., a manager causes two illnesses at the workplace, and one tuberculosis case as well as two tuberculin conversions after visiting a skiing hut. An external cleaning lady, who had not been examined previously, causes tuberculosis in a three-year old girl in a rehabilitation clinic in the Upper Bavarian district of BT. The cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis, which was not examined for a long period of time in a nursery-school teacher, caused tuberculosis in a three-year-old girl and tuberculin conversion in thirty-four children in the Upper Palatinate region.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2004

Reflex writing seizures in two siblings with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

We report on two siblings who presented with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and in whom myoclonic jerks of the right arm and hand were also triggered by writing tasks. Both patients underwent intensive video-electroencephalography monitoring, with simultaneous neuropsychological tests. In both patients, reflex epileptic myoclonus was more easily triggered by writing that required a higher degree of concentration. Conversely, other cognitive tasks, such as reading, typing, thinking, or calculation never elicited any seizures or myoclonus. Valproate was effective in controlling both spontaneous and reflex epileptic seizures. The results of this study further support the notion that 'praxis-induced' reflex epilepsy precipitated by specific stimuli occurs in the context of idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Our results also illustrate that writing tasks are more effective in eliciting seizures when they require higher levels of concentration and mental elaboration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Language lateralization by Wada test and fMRI in 100 patients with epilepsy.

Comparing the determination of language dominance using fMRI with results of the Wada test in 100 patients with different localization-related epilepsies, the authors found 91% concordance between both tests. The overall rate of false categorization by fMRI was 9%, ranging from 3% in left-sided temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) to 25% in left-sided extratemporal epilepsy. Language fMRI might reduce the necessity of the Wada test for language lateralization, especially in TLE.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Might it be epilepsy? What should the genera;l practitioner look out for in differential diagnosis].

Both a missed diagnosis of epilepsy, a wrong diagnosis of epilepsy as something else, and a misdiagnosis of something else as epilepsy can have serious consequences for the patient, e.g. therapeutic deviations, or physical, physical and social complications. Not all possible but some important problems of differential diagnosis are discussed, including both typical misdiagnoses of epileptic seizures as cardiac synkope or pseudoepileptic fits, oversight of subtle manifestions of epilepsy such as absences, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and isolated auras, and misdiagnoses as epilepsy of migraine variants, syncope, episodic ataxias, narcolepsy, and parasomnias.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Needles to promote ventricular blood into the ischemic myocardium applied in a rat heart transplant model: an acute observation [corrected].

Two needles were designed in order to revascularize an ischemic myocardium in the event of left coronary artery occlusion. This study was conducted by performing the Lee modified Fox-Montorsi heart-lung transplant on 25 San Diego Microsurgical Institute-bred Sprague Dawley rats that were subjected to left coronary artery ligation in each case. Of these 25 rats, a straight-porous (SP) needling procedure was applied to 9 heterotopically transplanted rat hearts, and a distinct horseshoe (HS)-shaped needle application was performed on the remaining 16 heterotopically transplanted rat hearts. This report represents an acute study on the efficiency of these two needles to transmit oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle into the ischemic myocardium. Doppler readings for male vs. female transplants showed that the control peak (PK) and mean (MN) kHz values are on the average of 0.20 kHz higher in males than in females. However, control heart rate values in both sexes are approximately equal. Ligation of the left coronary artery caused a dramatic decrease of PK and MN kHz values in both sexes, while heart rate showed no significant decrease from the original control values in response to ischemia. Application of the SP needle showed only a slight return of PK and MN values in both sexes, but heart rate values increased to levels higher than the original control values. The HS needling procedure was able to recover approximately 80% of the control PK and MN kHz values in both sexes. Thus, these data indicate that the HS needle can successfully transmit left ventricular blood into the myocardium.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Consecutive en-bloc liver (30%)-pancreas-duodenum-spleen-stomach transplant in Lewis rats.

It is well-known that 30% of the remaining liver mass, following partial hepatectomy, regenerates to full original mass within 2 weeks in rats. In order to carry the transplanted rat liver to repeated transplantation, a technique of combining 30% of the liver with the pancreaticoduodenum and spleen transplantation is performed in this consecutive organ transplantation study. Our laboratory observed several 37-month-old transplanted rats by carrying through 2-3 generations, and histological disclosure were made. Because the partial liver transplants did not regenerate after the transplantation with other splanchnic organs, this technique is not so difficult though subsequent surgical maneuvers are needed and the liver histology proved entirely normal in every aspect when followed beyond the rat's life span of 24 months.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Observations of rat ovarian-splenic consecutive transplants.

We examined the results after implantation of ovarian follicles by various modes in a total of 82 cases. One or five ovarian follicles were implanted into spleens in castrated female rats. In 20 cases among these, each five follicles were implanted into native and transplanted spleens after spleen transplantation (double implantation of the ovary). Through consecutive spleen transplantation, we observed the results beyond the rat's life span for a limited period. In many cases, we found a more aggressive form of malignant tumor, i.e., dysgerminoma. We present the results and discuss the modes of implantations and possible pathogenetic mechanisms of tumor formation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Sunscreens. Protection against skin cancers and photoaging].

Experimental animal studies have unambiguously demonstrated that topical sunscreens can prevent squamous cell carcinoma and photoaging (damage of collagen and elastic fibers of the skin). Although data from clinical studies and surrogate markers also indicate such photoprotective effects in man, there is a lack of controlled, prospective clinical trials to provide definite evidence in man. Because of inadequate data, no definite conclusions can be drawn about the cancer-preventive activity of topical use of sunscreens against basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2003

Stimulus-induced patterns of bioelectric activity in human neocortical tissue recorded by a voltage sensitive dye.

Stimulus-induced pattern of bioelectric activity in human neocortical tissue was investigated by use of the voltage sensitive dye RH795 and a fast optical recording system. During control conditions stimulation of layer I evoked activity predominantly in supragranular layers showing a spatial extent of up to 3000 microm along layer III. Stimulation in white matter evoked distinct activity in infragranular layers with a spatial extent of up to 3000 microm measured along layer V. The mean amplitude of optical signals close to the stimulated sites in layer I and white matter determined 25 ms following the stimulus, decreased by 50% at a lateral distance of approximately 900 microm and 1200 microm, respectively. Velocity of spread along the vertical stimulation axis reached 0.24 m/s in the supragranular layers (layers I to III) and then decreased to 0.09 m/s following layer I activation; stimulation of white matter induced a velocity of spread in layer V of 0.38 m/s, which slowed down to 0.12 m/s when passing the lower border of lamina IV. The horizontal velocities of spread determined from the stimulation site to a lateral distance of 500 microm reached 0.26-0.28 m/s and 0.28-0.35 m/s for layer I and white matter stimulation, respectively. At larger distances velocity of spread decreased. Increased excitability (Mg(2+)-free solution) had no significant effect on the spatio-temporal distribution of evoked activity as compared with control conditions. There were also no obvious differences between the results obtained in slices, which generated spontaneously sharp waves and those which were not spontaneously active. About 30% of the slices (n=7) displayed a greatly different response pattern, which seemed not to be related in a simple way to the stimulation as was the case in the majority of the investigated slices. The activity pattern of those slices appeared atypical in regard to their deviations of the vertical and horizontal extent of activity, to their reduced spatial extent of activity during increased excitability, to their layer-related distribution of activity, and to the appearance of afterdischarges.Concluding, in 30% of the human temporal lobe slices atypical activity pattern occurred which obviously reflect intrinsic epileptiform properties of the resected tissue. The majority of slices showed stereotyped activity pattern without evidence for increased excitability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Hand rearing of pet birds--feeds, techniques and recommendations.

The comparison of the contents of nutrients determined in commercial hand rearing diets with the nutrient requirements of growing budgerigars and lovebirds estimated by the factorial method revealed satisfactory protein, lysine and arginine concentrations. Regarding sulphur amino acids, a number of products showed marginal methionine and cystine contents. Mineral contents generally met all requirements and were even excessive in some cases. Ultimately, the results gained in this study demonstrate that nestlings' substantial requirements for sulphur amino acids for plumage development are often underestimated, while their calcium requirements in connection with bone mineralization are frequently overestimated. The primary obstacle to successful hand rearing, however, probably lies not so much in energy and nutrient contents, but rather--as revealed by first results of feeding trials with lovebirds--in the passage of the suspended diet through the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. crop disorders) and/or errors regarding feed quantities and feeding frequency.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2003

The nutrition of the chinchilla as a companion animal--basic data, influences and dependences.

This contribution is meant to obtain basic data for feeding chinchillas (ingestion behaviour, feed and water intake) kept as companion animals. The chinchillas ingested more than 70% of their total feed intake during the dark phase (highest level of activity between 9:00 pm and 7:00 am). Daily amounts of feed intake varied between 2.5 (fresh grass) or 2.6 (hay) and 5.5 (pelleted complete diet) g of dry matter per 100 g of body weight. An offered mixed feed based on native components led to a selection of individual ingredients (high palatability: carob, beet pulp, sunflower seeds). The chinchillas' daily water intake varied between 30 (mixed feed in briquette form) and 40 ml (alfalfa cubes) and amounted on average between 1.5 and 3 ml/g of dry matter. Compared with rabbits or guinea-pigs, the chinchillas generally showed noticeable differences (rhythm of feed intake, palatability of individual ingredients, capacity for digestion, etc.) which must be considered in order to optimize the nutrition of this species.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2003

Investigations on feathering, feather growth and potential influences of nutrient supply on feathers' regrowth in small pet birds (canaries, budgerigars and lovebirds).

The aim of this study was to quantitate feathering in several companion birds. Besides the ratio of feathers to whole body mass, feather length as well as feather weight were of interest. Furthermore, data on feather loss and growth rates were estimated. In general, it could be observed that the proportion of feathers relative to body mass varied between 14 (canaries) and 7.4% (lovebirds). Feather losses (outside the moult period) amounted to an average of 6.65 (canaries), 8.98 (budgerigars), and 8.43 (lovebirds) mg/bird/day respectively or 37 (canaries), 20 (budgerigars), and 17 (lovebirds) mg/100 g body weight/day (values of interest in calculating of protein requirements for maintenance). In canaries, the average growth rate of the developing feathers amounted to 2 mm/day. In contrast to the onset of feather regeneration, the growth rate of new feathers leaving the follicle was not influenced by the supplements used here. The regeneration period (first measurable feather growth) of a plucked pinion can be used as an indicator and objective parameter to test potential nutritional influences. Parallel to the improvement of nutrient supply the rates of feather losses and also replacement increased, whereas the rates decreased when seed mixtures without any addition of minerals, sulphurous amino acids, and vitamins were fed.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2003

Topical methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy in patients with basal cell carcinoma prone to complications and poor cosmetic outcome with conventional treatment.

BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) causes morbidity and/or disfigurement in some patients because of the location (e.g. mid-face) and size of the lesion. OBJECTIVES: Following reports that such difficult-to-treat BCC lesions have been treated successfully with topical methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT), a multicentre study was performed to determine the response of such BCC to MAL-PDT. METHODS: An open, uncontrolled, prospective, multicentre study was conducted comprising patients with superficial and/or nodular BCC who were at risk of complications, poor cosmetic outcome, disfigurement and/or recurrence using conventional therapy. Patients were given one or two cycles within 3 months of topical MAL-PDT, each consisting of two treatments 1 week apart. Tumour response was assessed clinically at 3 months after the last PDT, with histological confirmation of all lesions in clinical remission. The cosmetic outcome was rated. Patients with a BCC in remission will be followed up for 5 years for recurrence, of which the 24-month follow-up is reported here. Ninety-four patients with 123 lesions were enrolled and treated with MAL-PDT at nine European primary care and referral university hospitals. An independent blinded study review board (SRB) retrospectively excluded nine patients and a total of 15 lesions from the efficacy analysis, for not having a difficult-to-treat BCC according to the protocol. RESULTS: The lesion remission rate at 3 months was 92% (45 of 49) for superficial BCC, 87% (45 of 52) for nodular BCC, and 57% (four of seven) for mixed BCC, as assessed by clinical examination, and 85% (40 of 47), 75% (38 of 51), and 43% (three of seven), respectively, as assessed by histological examination and verified by the SRB. At 24 months after treatment, the overall lesion recurrence rate was 18% (12 of 66). The cosmetic outcome was graded as excellent or good by the investigators in 76% of the cases after 3 months follow-up, rising to 85% at 12 months follow-up, and 94% at 24 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Topical MAL-PDT is effective in treating BCC at risk of complications and poor cosmetic outcome using conventional therapy. MAL-PDT preserves the skin and shows favourable cosmetic results.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2003

[Animal nutrition for veterinarians--actual cases: tulip bulbs with leaves (Tulipa gesneriana)--an unusual and high risk plant for ruminant feeding].

14 cattle (mainly younger ones) of a total of 50 extensively kept Galloways died within 6 weeks in late winter 2001/02. According to the owner's report, grass growth had been rather poor; therefore, the herd was fed additionally hay as well as large amounts of tulip onions. In the microbiological examination a highly reduced hygienic quality of the roughage could be detected. In the rumen contents of two dissected young cattle parts of tulip onions were found. According to pertinent literature, tulip onions (in particular their external layers) contain variant-specific amounts of anti-nutritive substances; main active agents are tulipin (a glycoprotein), tuliposid A and B, and lectins. They may cause intensive mucosal irritation, accompanied by reduced feed digestion and body-weight gains, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. This case report underlines risks caused by feeding of plants originally not destined as forage, if their active ingredients and effects are unknown or remain unconsidered.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2002

[The epileptic patient in general practice. What the family physician must attend to].

Some 25% of patients with epilepsy are under the sole care of their family doctors. Treatment is applied in accordance with clear guidelines. The leading aim of therapy is always freedom from seizures. The gold standard is monotherapy, with combination treatment taking second place. In focal epilepsy, the drug of first choice is still carbamazepine, and in generalized epilepsy valproic acid. The use of the new antiepileptics should be given careful consideration, not least on account of their high price. Switch-over from a proprietary to a generic drug may be associated with the problem of differences in bioavailability. Routine monitoring of serum levels is not useful, but is always necessary when a seizure occurs unexpectedly. On account of their disease, many people with epilepsy are discriminated against. Questions regarding the advisability of having children or driving a car, should, however, not automatically elicit a negative response.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed2002

Cryopreservation of adult human hepatocytes obtained from resected liver biopsies.

Isolated human hepatocytes have been shown to represent a valuable in vitro model to investigate the metabolism and cytotoxicity of xenobiotics. In addition, human hepatocyte transplantation and artificial liver support systems using isolated human hepatocytes are currently investigated as treatment for acute and chronic hepatic failure. In this regard, human hepatocyte banking by cryopreservation would be of great interest. In the present study, freshly isolated hepatocytes from resected liver biopsies of 28 separate donors (viability: 88 +/- 2%; plating efficiency: 79 +/- 5%) were cryopreserved using two different protocols, stepwise freezing (SF) or progressive freezing (PF), in combination (PF(+), SF(+)) or not (PF(-), SF(-)) with a 30 min preincubation in culture medium at 37 degrees C. Total recovery was higher after PF (38 +/- 3%) than after SF (12 +/- 2%). Preincubation prior to SF had no effect on plating efficiency of thawed hepatocytes (SF(-): 38 +/- 6% versus SF(+): 46 +/- 7%) while preincubation prior to PF increased plating efficiency of thawed hepatocytes (PF(-): 42 +/- 6% versus PF(+): 64 +/- 4%, p < 0.05). In attached cultured human cryopreserved/thawed hepatocytes (CH) from the PF(+) group, albumin production and glutathione content were not significantly different from those of the freshly isolated hepatocyte (FIH) cultures. Cells in CH monolayers appeared smaller than cells in FIH monolayers. In addition, the pattern of cytochrome P450- and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase-dependent isoenzyme activities and GST activity were different, suggesting a variability in the resistance to cryopreservation of the various liver hepatocyte populations. Taken all together, the results of the present study suggest that recovery of human hepatocytes after isolation prior to progressive freezing should allow human hepatocyte banking for use in pharmacotoxicology and cell therapy research purposes.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Physical activity after shoulder arthroplasty].

A hemi- or total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 171 patients between 1992 and 1997. We examined 118 patients under the age of 70 regarding their level of physical activity. For a pre- and postoperative comparison we divided the patients in two groups. Group one included all patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, instability associated arthritis, avascular necrosis and other arthropathies. Group two included acute fractures and fracture sequelae. The postoperative outcome was functionally assessed by using the Constant score. There was an average Constant score of 60,9 for group one and 67,1 for group two. Both groups showed a domination of activities with motion patterns unspecific for the shoulder. There were more patients in group two reporting activities which depend on a good or very good shoulder function. There is no general estimation for the ability to be active in sports after shoulder arthroplasty. An individual assessment of the shoulder function is essential. Important criterias beside motivation and age are the status of the rotator cuff and the soft tissue balancing. The correct indication for shoulder arthroplasty as well as the preoperative planning and the postoperative rehabilitation program are essential for a good functional outcome and the key for physical activity after shoulder arthroplasty.

Adult↗