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Biomedical subjects

R Ackermann

Publications and source records attributed to R Ackermann.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed1978

The isolation of Central European encephalitis (tick-borne encephalitis) virus from Ixodes ricinus (L.) ticks in southern-Germany.

During the years 1972--1976 a total of 14.692 ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus (L.), (2.738 adults and 11.954 nymphs) was collected. They were taken from five areas where human Central European encephalitis virus (CEE) infections had occurred. By means of, intracerebral (IC) and subcutaneous (SC) isolation experiments with suckling mice 19 agents, exhibiting the pathogenic characteristics of CEE virus, were isolated from these ticks. In neutralization tests with suckling mice these isolates could be identified as CEE virus strains. From the 14.692 ticks at least 1.29% were virus carriers as evidenced by the number of isolated virus strains. By the same reasoning at least 3.6% of the adults and 0.76% of the nymphs must have contained virus. We were successful in each of the five areas, rather distant from each other, to isolate the virus. The favorable ecological conditions for the main vector Ixodes ricinus in the Federal Republic of Germany give rise to the assumption that this medically important tick-borne disease might be permanently present in many areas.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Antigenic properties of a cell line from human prostate carcinoma (EB 33).

Evidence for tumor-specific transplantation antigens of human prostate carcinoma was gained by others from in vivo sensitization. The fact that these antigens have not been detected by in vitro methods prompted us to investigate whether EB 33 cells, originated from a human prostate carcinoma by one of us (F.H.S.), expressed these antigens. Using 3-M potassium chloride extracts of EB 33 cells for immunization of New Zealand white rabbits, we obtained xenogeneic antibodies. Further analysis of their specificity was achieved by indirect immunofluorescence and by measurement of their cytotoxicity in a [51Cr]-release test. Xenogeneic antibodies were cytotoxic for EB 33 cells. However, the extent of cell lysis depended on the passage number of EB 33 target cells, thus reflecting an alteration of the antigenicity of the EB 33 cell population during culture. Formation of nonspecific antibodies could be absorbed with HeLa cells. As HLA were not detectable on EB 33 cells, results obtained from absorption experiments with homogenates of normal and malignant prostate tissue may argue for organ-specific and tumor-related transplantation antigens on EB 33 cells.

Antibodies, Neoplasm↗
PubMed1977

[Risk to humans through contact with golden hamsters carrying lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (author's transl)].

Among 291 persons of all age groups from Cologne or Frankfurt and environs who had been in contact with golden hamsters there were 17 (5.8%) with neutralizing antibodies against lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM), while such antibodies were present in only 5 (2%) of 251 persons without such contact, the difference between antibody rates representing a probability of error of 5% LCM-virus infections caused by golden hamsters occurred also in city dwellers, younger age groups and more females than has been previously the case, confirming an increased risk through contact with pet hamsters. Because of the danger of intra-uterine damage in case of infection, pregnant women had best avoid all contact with hamsters.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

[Etiology and diagnosis of thoracic kidney (author's transl)].

Intrathoracic mass lesions revealed on routine chest-x-rays may represent high renal ectopia. This is particularly true in cases of dorso-basal location and in the absence of symptoms. On a case herein reported the value of excretory urography as important diagnostic procedure is demonstrated. The significance of angiographic features for etiological classification will be discussed. A comprehensive review of the relevant literature is given.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Retrospective analysis of 645 simultaneous perineal punch biopsies and transrectal aspiration biopsies for diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma.

Transrectal aspiration biopsy of the prostate has been recommended as method of choice for morphological diagnosis of prostatic malignancies. It is less inconvenient to the patient and with hardly any complications. A retrospective analysis of 645 simultaneous perineal punch biopsies and transrectal aspiration biopsies was carried out in order to elicit whether prostatic carcinoma can be detected with transrectal aspiration biopsy as frequently as with perineal punch biopsy, and whether a cytological diagnosis of prostatic cancer is reliable. Carcinoma of the prostate was found in a total of 39.1% either with both techniques or with only one of them. A concordant diagnosis has been obtained in only 25.1%. Prostatic carcinoma was diagnosed more often by perineal punch biopsy (36.1%) than by transrectal aspiration biopsy (27.7%). However, the diagnosis has been missed by perineal punch biopsy in 2.6% of the cases. Doubtful results and unsatisfactory preparations have been observed more frequently after transrectal aspiration biopsies. Definite 'false-positive' cystological findings have not been detected. Thus, cytological evaluation of aspirated prostatic cells appears reliable. A definite morphological diagnosis can be expected with this technique. Simultaneous application of perineal punch biopsy and transrectal aspiration biopsy can be recommended in order to diagnose prostatic carcinoma with a higher frequency.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1976

[Tick-borne meningopolyneuritis (Garin-Bujadoux, Bannwarth)].

The meningopolyneuritis first described in 1922 by Garin and Bujadoux develops after a tick bite. At the site of the bite in some of the cases, erythema chronicum migrans develops first. Severe pains follow in this area which may spread to other parts of the body. Then peripheral paralysis appears with asymmetrical distribution. The motor cerebral nerves, especially the facial nerve, are also frequently affected. Mild sensitivity disorders occur with no systematic arrangement. There is a lymphocyte pleocytosis of 100-2600/3 mm3 and an increase in protein of varying intensity, meningeal symptoms usually being absent. The disease persists for 3-5 months. Apart from rare residual, the prognosis is favorable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Nitrate reductase from Chlorella vulgaris. Reaction with manganese (III) pyrophosphate and with ferric o-phenanthroline.

Millimolar concentrations of tervalent manganese pyrophosphate can partially activate nitrate reductase which has been inactivated with NADH and HCN. The tervalent manganese complex is nevertheless not reduced by NADH in the presence of the enzyme, that is, it is not a substrate for the diaphorase moiety of the nitrate reductase. Ferric o-phenanthroline, on the other hand, is a good diaphorase substrate, but fails to activate the inactive enzyme.

Chlorella↗
PubMed1976

Radioisotope investigation of continuous bladder irrigation after transurethral resection.

Radioisotope studies using 131I serum albumin were performed on 20 patients to investigate the possibility of intravascular absorption of the irrigating solution during continuous bladder irrigation after transurethral resection of the prostate. In only 5 of 20 patients was a minimal absorption of 1 to 34 cc observed. On the basis of these studies the routine use of continuous bladder irrigation after transurethral resection can be recommended, provided techniques are sterile.

Absorption↗
PubMed1976

[Transurethral resection in patients with cardiac pacemakers (author's transl)].

Problems of transurethral resection in patients with cardiac pacemakers are discussed. Various complications caused by interference of cutting and coagulating currents with the pacemaker system and their possible prevention are pointed out. It is concluded that transurethral resection by cold punch technique has significant advantages over electroresection in patients with a cardiac pacemaker.

Aged↗
PubMed1976

Eyach--an arthropod-borne virus related to Colorado tick fever virus in the Federal Republic of Germany.

From Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in a tick-borne encephalitis focus in Baden-Württemberg, an agent pathogenic exclusively for suckling mice was isolated. Obviously a virus, it passed membrane filters with a pore width of 200 nm. It was resistant to ether and sodium deoxycholate, but not to chloroform. In the complement fixation test it showed a close, and in the neutralisation test a more one-sided relationship to Colorado tick fever virus.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Multiple sclerosis-associated agent: transmission to animals and some properties of the agent.

In confirmation and extension of observations by Carp and his associates, brain tissue and sera from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were found to harbor an agent which induces a transitory depression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in mice as well as in rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. All of eight MD brains contained this agent at titers as high as 10(-9)/g of brain tissue. The agent was found in MS sera at titers up to 10(-3)/ml of serum, but its presence depended to some extent on the clinical status of the patients; it was observed more frequently in sera of patients with active disease (73%) thatn in sera of patients with quiescent disease (31%). Control brain tissues or sera failed to induce PMN depression. The apparently MS-associated agent (MSAA) passed through 50-nm but not 25-nm membrane filters (Millipore Corp.) and was largely sedimented at 105,000 X g but not at 50,000 X g for 1 h. It multiplied to high titers in the central nervous tissue of the inoculated animals and could be serially transmitted from animal to animal by passage of brain homeganates. Various observations and considerations appear to preclude that MS-associated agent represents an indigenous animal virus. Although its role in MS remains to be determined, it should be considered a candidate for the etiology of this disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

Multiple sclerosis-associated agent: neutralization of the agent by human sera.

A total of 172 sera from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), theri relatives and nursing personnel, patients with other neurological and nonneurological diseases, and healthy donors living in the United State or East Africa under vastly divergent hygienic conditions were examined for their capacity to neutralize the MS-associated agent (MSAA), which induces in experimental animals a transitory depression of circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). A considerable proportion of sera from MS patients and their relatives or nursing personnel and East African donors revealed neutralizing activity, but only one of 59 sera from American donors without known contacts with MS patients revealed neutralizing activity. Some of the sera could be diluted 100- or 1,000- fold and still prevent, or substantially reduce, PMN depressions in mice. The neutralizing activity was shown to be associated with the immunoglobulin fractions of sera and therefore appears to be due to an antibody. Cerebrospinal fluids from MS, but not other, patients also strongly neutralized MSAA. Evidence has been presented that sera from MS patients may contain both MSAA and MSAA neutralizing antibodies. Antigen-antibody complexes were separated from such sera by high-speed centrifugation, and neutralizing antibodies were dissociated from them at a low pH. Whereas the data are as yet limited due to the vagaries and complexities of the test procedures, they provide further evidence that MSAA is not an indigenous virus of experimental animals, causes infections in man, and is indeed closely associated with MS. If it were the cause of MS, which remains to be ascertained, the data imply that not all infections by MSAA lead to the development of MS.

Animals↗