451
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Fischer S. [Conventional smear and monolayer technique]. Ugeskr Laeger 2001; 163:2803-4. [PMID: 11374218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
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452
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Fischer S, Bitter M, Caraccia M, Dülk M, Gamper E, Vogt W, Gini E, Melchior H, Hunziker W. All-optical sampling with a monolithically integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer gate. OPTICS LETTERS 2001; 26:626-628. [PMID: 18040404 DOI: 10.1364/ol.26.000626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
An all-optical sampler consisting of a polarization-independent monolithic Mach-Zehnder interferometer with integrated semiconductor optical amplifiers and a temporal resolution of 1 ps is presented. As an example, a simple 320-Gbit/s pattern has been successfully sampled, demonstrating the functionality of this scheme for high-bit-rate waveform characterizations in light-wave systems.
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453
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Wilhelmi M, Franke U, Cohnert T, Weber P, Kaukemüller J, Fischer S, Wahlers T, Haverich A. Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery without the routine application of blood products: Is it feasible? Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2001; 19:657-61. [PMID: 11343948 DOI: 10.1016/s1010-7940(01)00648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) substitution is currently standard practise in cardiac surgery. In this study we investigate whether elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is feasible without the administration of blood products compared to the substitution of fresh frozen plasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS From September 1997 to April 1998, 120 consecutive patients underwent CABG surgery at our institution. In the FFP group patients (n=60; men, n=43; women, n=17; mean age: 64+/-8.5 years) received 4 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) intraoperatively. In comparison, patients in the control group (n=60; men, n=44; women, n=16; mean age: 65+/-7.5 years) did not receive FFP. Main endpoints included perioperative hematologic parameters, blood loss, and the amount of blood products that were administered. RESULTS Intraoperatively, the substitution of packed red blood cells (pRBC) in the FFP group was significantly higher compared with the control group (0.63+/-0.94 units/patient vs. 0.12+/-0.38 units/patient, P=0.001). Postoperatively, patients in the FFP group required significantly more pRBC products than patients in the control group (0.78+/-1.09 vs. 0.42+/-0.77, P=0.024). There were no significant differences in hemoglobin (FFP group: 99+/-11.1 g/dl; control group: 105+/-13.5 g/dl) and hematocrit levels (FFP group: 30+/-3.39%; control group: 32+/-4%). Also, no significant differences regarding the postoperative blood loss was observed between groups (FFP group: 588+/-224 vs. control group: 576+/-272 ml/24 h). CONCLUSIONS This study clearly demonstrates that the avoidance of routine intraoperative FFP administration does not lead to an increase in blood loss postoperatively compared to patients that received FFPs. Furthermore, we did not observe increased requirements for postoperative FFP infusion in patients that did not receive FFPs intraoperatively.
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454
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Cusi MG, Fischer S, Sedlmeier R, Valassina M, Valensin PE, Donati M, Neubert WJ. Localization of a new neutralizing epitope on the mumps virus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein. Virus Res 2001; 74:133-7. [PMID: 11226581 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1702(00)00254-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Four protein fragments which span the entire hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN) of mumps virus were expressed in HeLa cells and cell extracts were tested for their capability to induce neutralizing antibodies in mice. Fragment HN3 (aa 213-372) was able to induce the production of hemagglutination-inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies. When a subfragment of HN3, the synthetic peptide NSTLGVKSAREF (aa 329-340 of HN) was used for immunization, hemagglutination-inhibiting and neutralizing antibodies against mumps wild type virus but not against the Urabe Am9 vaccine virus were raised. The peptide could, therefore, contain a new epitope, which may be critical for protective host humoral immune response.
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455
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Migliazza A, Bosch F, Komatsu H, Cayanis E, Martinotti S, Toniato E, Guccione E, Qu X, Chien M, Murty VV, Gaidano G, Inghirami G, Zhang P, Fischer S, Kalachikov SM, Russo J, Edelman I, Efstratiadis A, Dalla-Favera R. Nucleotide sequence, transcription map, and mutation analysis of the 13q14 chromosomal region deleted in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 2001; 97:2098-104. [PMID: 11264177 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v97.7.2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Deletions of the 13q14 chromosome region are associated with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and several other types of cancer, suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene. In previous studies the minimal region of deletion (MDR) was mapped to a less than 300-kilobase (kb) interval bordered by the markers 173a12-82 and 138G4/1.3R. For the identification of the putative tumor suppressor gene, the entire MDR (approximately 347 kb) has been sequenced, and transcribed regions have been identified by exon trapping, EST-based full-length complementary DNA cloning, database homology searches, and computer-assisted gene prediction analyses. The MDR contains 2 pseudogenes and 3 transcribed genes: CAR, encoding a putative RING-finger containing protein; 1B4/Leu2, generating noncoding transcripts; and EST70/Leu1, probably representing another noncoding gene (longest open reading frame of 78 codons). These genes have been sequenced in 20 B-CLL cases with 13q14 hemizygous deletion, and no mutations were found. Moreover, no somatic variants were found in the entire MDR analyzed for nucleotide substitutions by a combination of direct sequencing and fluorescence-assisted mismatch analysis in 5 B-CLL cases displaying 13q14-monoallelic deletion. The nondeleted allele of the CAR and EST70/Leu1 genes was expressed in B-CLL specimens, including those with monoallelic loss, whereas no expression of 1B4/Leu2 was detectable in B-CLL, regardless of the 13q14 status. These results indicate that allelic loss and mutation of a gene within the MDR is an unlikely pathogenetic mechanism for B-CLL. However, haplo-insufficiency of one of the identified genes may contribute to tumorigenesis. (Blood. 2001;97:2098-2104)
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Chromosome Mapping
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13/ultrastructure
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Expressed Sequence Tags
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Proteins/genetics
- Pseudogenes
- RNA, Long Noncoding
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- RNA, Neoplasm/genetics
- Sequence Deletion
- Transcription, Genetic
- Transferases
- Tumor Suppressor Proteins
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456
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Maier D, Farr CL, Poeck B, Alahari A, Vogel M, Fischer S, Kaguni LS, Schneuwly S. Mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein is required for mitochondrial DNA replication and development in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Biol Cell 2001; 12:821-30. [PMID: 11294889 PMCID: PMC32269 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.12.4.821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery that several inherited human diseases are caused by mtDNA depletion has led to an increased interest in the replication and maintenance of mtDNA. We have isolated a new mutant in the lopo (low power) gene from Drosophila melanogaster affecting the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB), which is one of the key components in mtDNA replication and maintenance. lopo(1) mutants die late in the third instar before completion of metamorphosis because of a failure in cell proliferation. Molecular, histochemical, and physiological experiments show a drastic decrease in mtDNA content that is coupled with the loss of respiration in these mutants. However, the number and morphology of mitochondria are not greatly affected. Immunocytochemical analysis shows that mtSSB is expressed in all tissues but is highly enriched in proliferating tissues and in the developing oocyte. lopo(1) is the first mtSSB mutant in higher eukaryotes, and its analysis demonstrates the essential function of this gene in development, providing an excellent model to study mitochondrial biogenesis in animals.
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457
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Fischer S, Hopkinson D, Liu M, MacLean AA, Edwards V, Cutz E, Keshavjee S. Raffinose improves 24-hour lung preservation in low potassium dextran glucose solution: a histologic and ultrastructural analysis. Ann Thorac Surg 2001; 71:1140-5. [PMID: 11308150 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4975(01)02426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have previously shown that the addition of raffinose to low potassium dextran (LPD) preservation solution improves transplanted rat lung function after 24 hours of storage. The mechanisms by which raffinose acts are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the histologic and ultrastructural correlates of this enhanced pulmonary function after preservation with raffinose. METHODS In a randomized, blinded study, rat lungs were flushed with LPD, or LPD containing 30 mmol/L of raffinose, and stored for 24 hours at 4 degrees C. Control lungs were flushed with LPD but not stored (n = 5 each group). Changes in postpreservation edema were determined. In addition, lungs were flushed with a trypan blue solution to quantify cell death, and examined using both light and electron microscopy. RESULTS The LPD lungs gained significantly more weight (25.5%+/-5.5%) compared with raffinose-LPD lungs (5.2%+/-5.3%; p < 0.0001). There were higher percentages of dead cells in the LPD lungs (29%+/-0.3% of total cells) compared with raffinose-LPD lungs (14%+/-1.4%; p < 0.001) and control lungs (0.2%+/-5%; p < 0.001). Control lungs maintained normal ultrastructure, whereas LPD lungs showed a decreased number of intact type II pneumocytes and significant cellular necrosis. Interstitial and alveolar edema with interstitial macrophage infiltration was also observed. Alveolar capillaries were collapsed. In contrast, raffinose-LPD lungs showed only mild alterations such as minimal interstitial edematous expansion, fewer damaged cells, and minimal capillary injury. CONCLUSIONS Raffinose exerts a cytoprotective effect on pulmonary grafts during preservation, which explains the previously documented improved function. This simple modification of LPD with raffinose may provide clinical benefit in extended pulmonary preservation.
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458
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Jankowski J, Stephan N, Knobloch M, Fischer S, Schmaltz D, Zidek W, Schlüter H. Mass-spectrometry-linked screening of protein fractions for enzymatic activities--a tool for functional genomics. Anal Biochem 2001; 290:324-9. [PMID: 11237335 DOI: 10.1006/abio.2001.5001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A simple and rapid strategy is described to screen protein fractions for defined enzymatic activity. A protein fraction from a porcine kidney extract was immobilized by covalent coupling to activated affinity beads. The immobilized proteins were incubated with probes specific for different enzyme activities. The reaction products were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-mass spectrometry. The MALDI spectra indicate the presence of 5'-nucleotidase, phosphatase, kinase, glutathione reductase, and renin activities in the kidney protein extract. Furthermore, the method can be used to screen for inhibitors of enzymatic reactions. The method is adaptable to high-throughput sample handling and automated mass spectrometric analysis and therefore suited for functional genomics.
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459
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Gordon I, Colarinha P, Fettich J, Fischer S, Frökier J, Hahn K, Kabasakal L, Mitjavila M, Olivier P, Piepsz A, Porn U, Sixt R, van Velzen J. Guidelines for standard and diuretic renography in children. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2001; 28:BP21-30. [PMID: 11315613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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460
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Gordon I, Colarinha P, Fettich J, Fischer S, Frökier J, Hahn K, Kabasakal L, Mitjavila M, Olivier P, Piepsz A, Porn U, Sixt R, van Velzen J. Guidelines for indirect radionuclide cystography. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2001; 28:BP16-20. [PMID: 11315612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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461
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Hahn K, Fischer S, Colarinha P, Gordon I, Mann M, Piepsz A, Olivier P, Sixt R, van Velzen J. Guidelines for bone scintigraphy in children. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2001; 28:BP42-7. [PMID: 11315616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
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462
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Fischer S, Matte-Martyn A, De Perrot M, Waddell TK, Sekine Y, Hutcheon M, Keshavjee S. Low-potassium dextran preservation solution improves lung function after human lung transplantation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001; 121:594-6. [PMID: 11241101 DOI: 10.1067/mtc.2001.109703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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463
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Robbins RA, Simmons Z, Bremer BA, Walsh SM, Fischer S. Quality of life in ALS is maintained as physical function declines. Neurology 2001; 56:442-4. [PMID: 11222784 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.56.4.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study patients with ALS to determine how physical function, quality of life (QOL), and spirituality or religiousness change over time, and what relationship these changes have to one another. METHODS Sixty patients with ALS were studied prospectively. They were assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, using questionnaires designed to measure general quality of life (McGill Quality of Life questionnaire), religiosity (Idler Index of Religiosity), ALS-specific health-related quality of life (SIP/ALS-19), and ALS-specific function (ALS functional rating scale). RESULTS A two-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed that both the passage of time and the specific QOL scales used were factors in predicting patient quality of life (F[1, 59]= 9.87, p < 0.003 and F[3, 177]= 16.90, p < 0.001) Despite a progressive decline in physical function as measured by the ALS-specific function score, the general QOL and religiosity scores changed little. In contrast, the ALS-specific health-related QOL score declined in parallel with the ALS-specific function score. CONCLUSIONS QOL in patients with ALS appears to be independent of physical function, which agrees with a previous cross-sectional study. The ALS-specific health-related QOL score is primarily a measure of physical function. QOL instruments that assess spiritual, religious, and psychological factors produce different results than those obtained using measures of physical function alone.
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464
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Temelkova-Kurktschiev T, Fischer S, Koehler C, Mennicken G, Henkel E, Hanefeld M. [Intima-media thickness in healthy probands without risk factors for arteriosclerosis]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2001; 126:193-7. [PMID: 11256022 DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-11317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Ultrasound examination of the intima-media thickness (IMT) is a well accepted, highly reproducible method for the evaluation of early atherosclerosis. However, for the exact interpretation of these measurements reference values for IMT should be determined. The present work provides for the first time normal values for IMT of the common carotid artery and the arteries of the lower limbs (common femoral, superficial and popliteal arteries) in a German population of healthy subjects without risk factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 112 subjects (50 men, 62 women), aged 40 to 70, were examined, according to the following inclusion criteria: no diabetes or marked elevation of postprandial plasma glucose; non-smokers; no hypertension, obesity, dys/hyperlipidaemia or albuminuria; no history of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral arterial occlusion. IMT was measured and standardized by the method of Pignoli. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, plasma glucose (fasting and postprandial) and albuminuria were examined by routine methods. RESULTS The mean values of double measurements bilaterally in the distal part of the common carotid artery in men were 0.79 (0.73 ... 0.84) mm (40-54 years) and 0.87 (0.81 ... 0.93) mm (55-70 years). In women the values were: -0.70 (0.67 ... 0.75) mm and 0.82 (0.75 ... 0.90) mm, resp. In the group aged 40-54 years the men showed significantly higher IMT of all examined vessels in comparison to the women. In the group aged 55-70 years somewhat higher IMT of the common carotid artery and significantly higher IMT of the arteries of the lower extremity were observed in men. In multivariate analysis age was found to be a significant determinant of IMT of all examined vessels. CONCLUSION Intima-media thickening of the common carotid artery in men aged 40-70 years is to be accepted if a single measurement of IMT exceeds > or = 1 mm. For women, aged 40-54 years, IMT is defined as pathological if one IMT is above 0.85 mm, and for those aged 55-70 years if IMT exceeds 1 mm.
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465
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De Perrot M, Sekine Y, Fischer S, Waddell TK, Mcrae K, Liu M, Keshavjee S. Interleukin-8 release during ischemia-reperfusion correlates with early graft function in human lung transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2001; 20:175-176. [PMID: 11250281 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(00)00353-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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466
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McRae K, De Perrot M, Fischer S, Waddell TK, Liu M, Keshavjee S. Detection of IL-10 in the exhaled breath condensate, plasma and tissue during ischemia-reperfusion injury in experimental lung transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2001; 20:184. [PMID: 11250308 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(00)00379-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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467
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Fischer S, Liu M, Maclean AA, De Perrot M, Bai X, Cardella J, Imai Y, Keshavjee S. In vivo donor adenoviral-mediated transtracheal transfection of human IL-10 (HIL-10) gene ameliorates ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and enhances transplanted lung function. J Heart Lung Transplant 2001; 20:152-153. [PMID: 11250215 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(00)00263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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468
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Sekine Y, Waddell T, Matte-Martyn A, Pierre A, Deperrot M, Fischer S, Marshall J, Granton J, Hutcheon M, Keshavjee S. A classification system for severity of lung dysfunction after lung transplantation: a predictor of outcome. J Heart Lung Transplant 2001; 20:223. [PMID: 11250418 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-2498(00)00491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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469
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O'Blenes SB, Fischer S, McIntyre B, Keshavjee S, Rabinovitch M. Hemodynamic unloading leads to regression of pulmonary vascular disease in rats. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001; 121:279-89. [PMID: 11174733 DOI: 10.1067/mtc.2001.111657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment options for patients with advanced pulmonary vascular disease caused by a congenital heart defect are still mainly limited to heart-lung transplantation or lung transplantation with repair of the cardiac lesion. Because we have previously shown that the structural changes associated with pulmonary hypertension can be reversed by stress unloading in an organ culture model, we now investigate whether hemodynamic unloading will lead to regression of pulmonary vascular disease in the intact animal. METHODS Right middle and lower lobectomy and monocrotaline injection were performed in Lewis rats (n = 22) to cause pulmonary vascular disease from a combined hemodynamic and toxic injury. Twenty-eight days later the left lungs were examined (n = 10) or exposed to normal pulmonary artery pressure for an additional 14 (n = 5) or 28 (n = 7) days by transplantation into healthy recipients. Pulmonary artery pressure, ventricular weight, and pulmonary artery morphology were evaluated in each group. RESULTS Pulmonary hypertension (50 vs 16 mm Hg; P <.001) and right ventricular hypertrophy (right ventricular/left ventricular weight 0.69 vs 0.32; P <.001) associated with pulmonary artery medial hypertrophy (28.2% vs 7.2% wall thickness; P <.001) and muscularization of small pulmonary arteries (92.3% vs 19.4%; P <.001) developed by day 28 (compared with untreated controls). However, transplantation into healthy recipients effectively unloaded the lungs (mean pulmonary artery pressure 17 and 24 mm Hg at 14 and 28 days after transplantation) and resulted in progressive normalization of medial hypertrophy (15.6% and 12.1% at 14 and 28 days) and muscularization (65.1% and 42.2% at 14 and 28 days) relative to nontransplanted controls (P <.005 in each case). CONCLUSIONS Hemodynamic unloading of lungs with pulmonary vascular disease results in progressive normalization of pulmonary artery structure. These results are the first to provide a rationale for attempting to induce regression of pulmonary vascular disease by pressure unloading of the pulmonary circulation. Methods to mechanically unload the pulmonary circulation should be critically evaluated as a strategy for staged surgical repair of congenital heart defects despite presumed irreversible pulmonary hypertension.
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470
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Fischer S, Renz D, Schaper W, Karliczek GF. In vitro effects of dexamethasone on hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Eur J Pharmacol 2001; 411:231-43. [PMID: 11164380 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Clinically, dexamethasone is known to reduce cerebral edema. To further investigate the mechanism of this neuroprotection, an in vitro model of brain-derived microvessel endothelial cells (BME cells) was used to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability. Furthermore, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is known to be the mediator of hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability, was evaluated. Dexamethasone (40 microg/ml=100 microM) decreased hypoxia-induced permeability and VEGF expression significantly during time periods of more than 3 h. The time dependence of the dexamethasone effect correlated with a changed mechanism by which hypoxia induced VEGF expression. This was deduced because hypoxia-induced hyperpermeability and VEGF mRNA level were decreased in the presence of an antisense oligonucleotide coding for a region which binds a mRNA stabilizing protein, but only up to 3 h of hypoxia. Furthermore, during this time period the half-life of VEGF mRNA was increased. Results suggest that dexamethasone only decreases transcriptional-induced VEGF expression and that this may be related to the efficacy of dexamethasone to treat brain edema.
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471
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Mahler V, Fischer S, Heiss S, Duchêne M, Kraft D, Valenta R. cDna cloning and characterization of a cross-reactive birch pollen allergen: identification as a pectin esterase. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2001; 124:64-6. [PMID: 11306928 DOI: 10.1159/000053670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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472
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Poeck B, Fischer S, Gunning D, Zipursky SL, Salecker I. Glial cells mediate target layer selection of retinal axons in the developing visual system of Drosophila. Neuron 2001; 29:99-113. [PMID: 11182084 DOI: 10.1016/s0896-6273(01)00183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the fly visual system, each class of photoreceptor neurons (R cells) projects to a different synaptic layer in the brain. R1-R6 axons terminate in the lamina, while R7 and R8 axons pass through the lamina and stop in the medulla. As R cell axons enter the lamina, they encounter both glial cells and neurons. The cellular requirement for R1-R6 targeting was determined using loss-of-function mutations affecting different cell types in the lamina. nonstop (encoding a ubiquitin-specific protease) is required for glial cell development and hedgehog for neuronal development. Removal of glial cells but not neurons disrupts R1-R6 targeting. We propose that glial cells provide the initial stop signal promoting growth cone termination in the lamina. These findings uncover a novel function for neuron-glial interactions in regulating target specificity.
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473
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Winzer KJ, Ivancevic V, Fischer S, Guski H, Munz DL, Müller JM. Endoscopic sentinel node detection with a gamma probe combined with minimally invasive axillary lymph node dissection: a preliminary study. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY = ACTA CHIRURGICA 2001; 167:19-22. [PMID: 11213815 DOI: 10.1080/110241501750069765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy of videoendoscopic axillary lymph node dissection combined with endoscopic sentinel node detection by gamma probe and preoperative sentinel node imaging. DESIGN Open study. SETTING University hospital, Germany. SUBJECTS Four patients with breast cancer. INTERVENTION Injection of 99mTc-nanocolloid around the tumour. RESULTS In three patients axillary sentinel nodes were detected both before and after operation. In the remaining one it was not found. In two patients the minimally invasive approach had to be converted to conventional open surgery because of anatomical restrictions. CONCLUSION We describe a new approach that uses a minimally invasive technique and endoscopic radioguided sentinel node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. The results of this preliminary study warrant further investigation.
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474
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Fischer S, Kruger M, McRae K, Merchant N, Tsao MS, Keshavjee S. Giant bronchial carcinoid tumors: a multidisciplinary approach. Ann Thorac Surg 2001; 71:386-93. [PMID: 11216797 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4975(00)02251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchial carcinoid tumors account for approximately 2% of all lung tumors. Although they were considered benign lesions, they are now categorized malignant, occasionally with poor prognosis. The clinical symptoms can be highly variable and are often present for many years before diagnosis. Whereas some carcinoids are entirely asymptomatic, others are accompanied by carcinoid or paraneoplastic syndromes. METHODS We describe the multidisciplinary management of a 34-year-old female patient with a massive actively secreting bronchial carcinoid tumor of the right lung. Furthermore, we provide a review of the literature regarding the operative treatment and the perioperative management of pulmonary carcinoid tumors with respect to surgical, anesthetic, radiologic, and pathologic considerations. RESULTS In the reported case, the first symptoms were chronic watery diarrhea, skin flushing, progressive shortness of breath, and increasing right shoulder pain. When the patient initially presented at our institution, the tumor had already reached an enormous size and it involved the right and left atrium as well as the atrial septum. Using an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach the patient was treated successfully with extended surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS Carcinoid tumors are potentially curable even if they reach a significant size and thus an aggressive strategy is warranted. The management of such cases requires careful investigation, planning, and treatment with collaborative expertise provided by a multidisciplinary team. We demonstrated that this approach can lead to a favorable outcome in what first appeared to be a formidable and unresectable tumor.
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Geranios A, Kakoulidou M, Mavroidi P, Moschou M, Fischer S, Burian I, Holecek J. Radon survey in Kalamata (Greece). RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2001; 93:75-79. [PMID: 11548331 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a006416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
A national radon survey is still lacking for Greece. Some groups have carried out several more or less local or extended radon surveys and valuable experience has been gained. After the first preliminary survey carried out by our group, where 500 Kodak LR-115 etched track detectors were placed in Greek schools and dwellings for one year, indoor radon measurements were continued by placing the same number of detectors in a restricted area, covering the city of Kalamata (a medium size city with 60,000 inhabitants), situated in the south of Peloponnese. Although Kalamata was not of special radon interest, the local authorities insisted on knowing for their citizens' sake the level of this natural radiation. At first, the intention was to use a different method of organisation and distribution of the etched-track detectors from the previous one, attempting mainly to acquire more reliable results and to collect as many detectors as possible. Secondly, it was of great importance to test the statistics of the indoor radon concentrations for a rather small area, and thirdly, to estimate independently the annual absorbed dose by children, taking into account radon concentrations measured both in their home and at school. The set of detectors' readings (about 370), revealed, in general, lower values for Kalamata, compared to the ones found in the preliminary radon survey in Greece and almost all concentrations were found to be below the NRPB action level (200 Bq.m-3).
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