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Biomedical subjects

W Kruse

Publications and source records attributed to W Kruse.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[Detection of herpes simplex virus antigen with an enzyme immunoassay and direct immunofluorescence].

A total of 464 clinical specimens from patients with extragenital and genital lesions and from the cervix of asymptomatic women were examined for the presence of Herpes-simplex-virus antigen by using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay Kit (ELISA, Dakopatts) and a direct immunofluorescence technique with monoclonal antibodies (Syva-Merck). The detection rate was compared to the isolation rate of the tissue-culture technique. In extragenital lesions the sensitivity of the ELISA technique and immunofluorescence was determined to be 78.9% and 80% and in genital lesions 46.2%. In cervical clinical specimens, the sensitivity of both techniques was determined to be 5.7% and 15.4%. An HSV infection, negative in tissue culture, was diagnosed in 22 and 27 cases, respectively, using ELISA and immunofluorescence. This diagnosis was confirmed in 21 and 22 cases by the other immunological technique. For this reason, it can be assumed that in some cases direct immunological techniques can be more sensitive than the tissue culture technique. With regard to asymptomatic and manifest infections, reliable results are only obtainable in cases of manifest disease with blisters or scabs.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Whirlpool-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infections.

Three previously healthy outpatients had urinary tract infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Investigation disclosed that all three patients had been exposed to whirlpool baths within 48 hours before the onset of symptoms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from the whirlpool bath associated with each case. Whirlpool baths and spas are commonly contaminated with Pseudomonas and have in the past been associated with rash illness and folliculitis. In addition to these skin infections, our results indicate that whirlpool bath or spa exposure may be an emerging risk factor associated with Pseudomonas urinary tract infections among outpatients.

Acute Disease↗

[Metipranolol--a new beta-blocker].

The beta-blocker Metipranolol is discussed with reference to a pilot study and a double-blind study. It was found to be remarkably effective in lowering intraocular pressure. No statistically significant difference was found between Metipranolol and Timolol with regard to their effect on intraocular pressure and blood circulation. Nor were any significant side effects observed.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[A new apparatus for objective visual acuity evaluation].

The Catford Visual Acuity Apparatus is supposed to offer an easy and time-saving possibility for an objective determination of the visual acuity. No useful results were obtained from a survey, including 27 patients of varius age-group, which were examined at the recommended distance. Furthermore, because the examination becomes affected by other negative components, that come into perspective at the optimal distance of examination of 2 meters, this apparatus cannot be recommended for the use of an oculist in his practice.

Adolescent↗

Nocturnal inhibition of lipolysis in man by nicotinic acid and derivatives.

The effect of nicotinic acid and several derivatives on the nocturnal level of free fatty acids was studied in 12 healthy young women and men. Free fatty acids are an important precursor of plasma triglycerides and their concentration is highest at night. The drugs used were nictinic acid, beta-pyridyl-carbinol, mesoinositol hexanicotinate and xantinol nicotinate. The highest plasma nicotinic acid level was observed with beta-pyridyl-carbinol, but significant reduction in free fatty acids during the entire night was only achieved with inositolhexanicotinate and xantinol nicotinate. There was no correlation between the plasm levels of free fatty acids and nicotinic acid at any sampling time. If prolonged reduction in free fatty acid concentration is desired in the therapy of hyperlipidemias, the inositol and xantinol esters of nicotinic acid appear to be superior to the other preparations.

Adult↗

[Epidemiology of diseases and handicaps in the elderly].

In order to obtain valid information on incidence and prevalence of diseases and disabilities in elderly patients, careful cross sectional and longitudinal studies have to be performed. For valid information, the method of comprehensive geriatric assessment must be used which includes test for physical, mental, and social functions. Information from such studies is needed for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as for health policies in the 1990. Although per capita health expenditure peaks in old age, presently "geriatric epidemiology" does not exist in Germany.

Aged↗

[Malnutrition in geriatric patients: the Bethanien nutritional study].

Demographic developments in the Federal Republic of Germany indicate a future marked increase in the aged population. With this, there will be an increase in elderly patients. Malnutrition can contribute to disease as well as result from it. While most urgent nutritional problems of the population in general reside in the areas of increased intakes of energy and certain nutrients, nutritional deficiencies are frequent in older citizens, and in particular, geriatric patients. These deficiencies may result from psycho-social factors such as isolation, depression, or chronic brain failure, as well as from clinical factors (diseases which increase nutritional requirements or utilization of nutrients, drug/nutrient-interactions, etc.). The following questions are addressed: 1) How frequent is malnutrition in geriatric patients and which forms of malnutrition can be found? 2) What are the causes of malnutrition? 3) What is the relationship between malnutrition and mortality? 4) Which strategies for prevention and treatment of malnutrition can be developed from the above findings? The study is performed in Bethanien-Hospital, Heidelberg, FRG, a geriatric hospital and day clinic. Three hundred patients aged 75 years or older (representative sample) were included. Nutrition and nutritional status are determined and related to health, drug therapy and other psycho-social conditions in the very old. The prospective part of the study is planned for 18 months and this will also be the duration of the intervention phase.

Aged↗

The effect of thymopoietin32-36 and ubiquitin on spontaneous immunopathology of New Zealand mice.

The effects of synthetic thymopoeitin32-36 and purified ubiquitin, in daily doses of 1 or 10 microgram, were studied in New Zealand mice. The most striking result was a 4-month delay in the appearance of Coombs' positive tests or Coombs' antibodies in New Zealand black (NZB) mice treated from 4 wk of age with ubiquitin. Ubiquitin also reduced the spleen weight in the animals and stimulated suppressor T cell activity in shorter term studies of older NZB and black and white (B/W) mice. Thymopoietin was also active in this assay and improved the mitogen responsiveness of lymph node cells in older treated NZB and B/W mice. Thymopoietin injections, from 4 wk of age, reduced the titer of Coombs' antibodies and thymocytotoxic antibodies in NZB mice and caused an increase in Thy 1+ spleen cells in these animals. In correspondingly treated B/W mice, thymopoietin reduced the anti-DNA antibody titer. While our present injection protocol did not result in clinical cure of the genetically determined autoimmune diseases of NZB and B/W mice, they do point to the feasibility of selective immunoregulation by these peptides in diseases associated with altered states of immune reactivity.

Animals↗

[Potential drug interactions in the treatment of elderly patients with multiple morbidity].

In 196 hospitalized geriatric patients, drug prescriptions were assessed for potential drug interactions. Potential drug interactions were identified in 5.4% of 2,177 prescriptions. The risk increased with the number of prescribed drugs. Antipsychotics, tranquilizers, hypnotics, diuretics, cardiac glycosides and centrally acting analgetics were involved in more than 70% of potential interactions. Risks of potential drug interactions can be reduced by a reduction in drugs prescribed.

Aged↗

[Cognitive and behaviorally relevant aspects of compliance with prescribed drugs by geriatric patients].

Studies of compliance with drug treatment in the elderly have mainly focused on treatment variables, and patient knowledge or comprehension. However, information on behavioral aspects is sparse. Therefore, interviews concerning medication were performed in 31 geriatric patients, mean age 79.6 years. The aim was to evaluate whether there were relations between coping with health problems and attitudes towards/taking of medication prescribed. It was concluded from the analysis of these tape-recorded interviews that different forms of coping strategies were reflected by patients' attitudes towards taking of medicines. There was a high degree of competence perceived by patients, and objectively as well. Nevertheless, when taking drugs patients surprisingly often relied on other persons' support.

Activities of Daily Living↗