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Biomedical subjects

A Meyer-Lindenberg

Publications and source records attributed to A Meyer-Lindenberg.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Diseases with relevance to protection of animals with an example of the musculoskeletal system of dogs].

Protection of animals needs major concern in breeding programmes especially if inherited diseases occur which cause pain, suffering and/or damages for the animals. Dogs breeders and people keeping dogs as well as veterinarians should be informed about the etiology on sequels of diseases which cause pain to the animals and from which the animals have to be protected in order to make them more conscious on these problems and to achieve changes in dog breeding programmes. The information system "Inherited Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System of Dogs" should display the already published knowledge about etiology, pathogenesis, appearance, therapy and genetics of these diseases. This information system was built up in such a way that it can be used by students as a learning programme to understand the basic relationships among animal protection, diseases, and dog breeding. The user is also supplied with support for breeding decisions as well as for interpretation of breeding values and genotype probabilities. Additionally, information can be obtained on all in the German Association for Dog Breeding (VDH) represented breeds and breeding clubs. Actions to reduce genetically caused diseases required for members of dog breeding clubs are also available. The information system ist programmed by using HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). Publication is possible on CD-ROM and on Internet. The supplied hyperlinks allow to make use of other publications on the world wide web related to dog and diseases of dogs.

Animal Welfare↗

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia: a new set of tools for the assessment of cognition and drug effects.

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia must be seen as a disturbance of cortico-sub-cortical connectivity with a neurotransmitter imbalance in a circuitry system, which connects thalamic input with prefrontal processing and supplementary motor cortex and basal ganglia output. The concept of maze-solving behaviour as a continuous cognitive task evoking a conflict between prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia activity is explained and introduced to distinguish between the effects of D2 blocking agents and substances with a predominant 5HT2A receptor affinity, such as clozapine and risperidone. Complex mazes show a cognitive deficit in untreated schizophrenic patients that are impaired by conventional and improved by atypical antipsychotic substances. Processing speed improves most on clozapine, while parallel processing is best supported by the non-sedative atypical substance risperidone. Maze paradigms are presented.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

[Application and possibilities of digital radiography demonstrated on a skull radiograph].

The application of digital radiography has not been used widely in veterinary medicine. This paper gives an overview of the possibilities in post processing of digital radiographs for imaging a nasal fracture on a right lateral skull radiograph of a two years old German Shepherd. The following algorithms of the digital ADC (Agfa Diagnostic Center)--system were used: edge-contrast, latitude reduction, noise reduction, window-levelling and MUSI-contrast (MUlti Scale Image Contrast). MUSI-contrast is a recently developed algorithm by Agfa, which improves the recognition of fine details in all scales. These parameters will be explained individually and the use is demonstrated with the skull radiographs. It shows that only a coordinate parameter setting will lead to an optimal image. The option of filtering diagnostic information in using digital post processing represents a clear step forward and reduces the number of repeat shots.

Algorithms↗

Somatized depression as a subgroup of fibromyalgia syndrome.

An increase of depressive symptoms in fibromyalgia patients has been noted in a number of studies. The etiologic significance of this finding remains, however, controversial. We suggest that a subgroup of patients with this symptom combination may be pragmatically classified as suffering from somatized depression. Clinical indicators such as a family history of depressive disorders, circadian disturbances, pronounced loss of appetite or libido, and chronic psychosocial stressors should be assessed and, if present, prompt the initiation of psychiatric evaluation and treatment including pharmaco- and psychotherapeutic modalities. Other psychiatric diseases arising in the differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia are discussed.

Depressive Disorder↗

The topography of non-linear cortical dynamics at rest, in mental calculation and moving shape perception.

Differential cortical activation by cognitive processing was studied using dimensional complexity, a measure derived from nonlinear dynamics that indicates the degrees of freedom (complexity) of a dynamic system. We examined the EEG of 32 healthy subjects at rest, during a visually presented calculation task, and during a moving shape perception task. As a nonlinear measure of connectivity, the mutual dimension of selected electrode pairs was used. The first Lyapunov coefficient was also calculated. Data were tested for non-linearity using a surrogate data method and compared to spectral EEG measures (power, coherence). Surrogate data testing confirmed the presence of nonlinear structure in the data. Cognitive activation led to a highly significant rise in dimensional complexity. While both tasks activated central, parietal and temporal areas, mental arithmetic showed frontal activation and an activity maximum at T3, while the moving shape task led to occipital activation and a right parietal activity maximum. Analysis of mutual dimension showed activation of a bilateral temporal-right frontal network in calculation. The Lyapunov coefficient showed clear topographic variation, but was not significantly changed by mental tasks (p<.09). While dimensional complexity was almost unrelated to power values, nonlinear (mutual dimension) and linear (coherence) measures of connectivity shared up to 37% of variance. Data are interpreted in terms of increased cortical complexity as a result of recruitment of asynchronously active, distributed neuronal assemblies in cognition. The topography of nonlinear dynamics are related to neuropsychological and neuroimaging findings on mental calculation and moving shape perception.

Adult↗

[Dissections of the basilar artery].

PURPOSE: To describe clinical, radiological and pathological-anatomical findings of basilar artery dissections. METHODS: During a period of three years (1994-1996) we observed 4 patients with dissections of the basilar artery, proven by angiography. Angiograms, MRI (n = 2) and autopsy results (n = 1) of these patients were correlated with clinical symptoms and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: In three patients the dissection was confined into the basilar artery. Three patients with vertebrobasilar ischaemia showed irregularities of the vessel wall on angiography, in one of these patients autopsy revealed a haematoma within the vessel wall, located between intima and media. One patient complaining of relapsing headaches had a posttraumatic basilar artery aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Dissections of the basilar artery can be separated in two types. In case of subintimal dissection patients present with vertebrobasilar ischaemia, which in contrast to extracranial dissections usually occurs without temporal delay. A second type of patients presents with subarachnoid haemorrhage. The dissection is subadventitial and pierces through a thin adventitia into the subarachnoid space.

Adult↗

[Digital and analog radiographic techniques in the case of thoracic diagnosis].

Up to now digital luminescens radiography has not been used widely in veterinary medicine. This paper gives an overview of the first experiences with the application of the digital ADC-System (Agfa Diagnostic Center) for imaging pulmonary nodules and other lung diseases in dogs in comparison to the conventional method. For this, we used radiographs of dogs of several weight groups with lung diseases. To compare both systems (conventional and digital) we took pictures with either method in the same positioning. Compared to the analog film screen system, the phosphor storage radiographs enhance the detection of fine details. Additionally, the digital technology gives an opportunity for post-processing of image data in order to optimize the discrimination of various image details and offers a wide latitude for exposure, which means less retakes and a wider range for dose selection. The advantage of digital filing stations is on the one hand the possibility of space saving and storage unlimited by time, on the other hand it offers the possibility to recover X ray pictures in very short time.

Animals↗

[Necrotizing vasculitis of the cerebral and spinal leptomeninges in a Bernese mountain dog].

A case of necrotizing vasculitis involving the central nervous system in a seven month old Bernese mountain dog is reported. The clinical signs include apathy, fever and increased head and cervical pain. The cerebrospinal fluid was unusual viscous and bloody. In the EEG high activity and spikes were found. A hydrocephalus internus was confirmed by CT scan. On histopathological examination a necrotizing vasculitis on the medulla oblongata and spinal cord leptomeninges with perivascular granulomatous inflammation were detected. The neuropathological lesions are consistent with those reported for the rare disease of necrotizing vasculitis in the central nervous system of Bernese mountain dogs, beagles and boxers. The cause is unknown.

Animals↗

[The effect of anesthesia on kidney scintigraphy in the dog].

Renal scintigraphy is one of the diagnostic devices in the upper urinary tract. In 24 dogs of different age, sex and breed that--according to the usual laboratory tests--were considered healthy with respect to renal function, a renal scintigraphy with the tubular excreted tracer 99mTc-MAG3 was performed. The dogs were grouped according to three different anaesthetic regimens in order to estimate the influence of anaesthesia--which is necessary for this investigation--onto function of the normal kidney. Eight dogs were scintigraphed twice using different anaesthesia protocols. In group A (n = 22), anaesthesia was performed with a combination of atropine/diazepam/ketamine/xylazine. The reference range determined was for the period of maximal activity accumulation (Tmax) 3.2 +/- 0.8 min and for the elimination half-time (Tmax/2) 6.3 +/- 1.4 min. MAG3-clearance was 7.5 +/- 1.8 ml/min/kg. Group B (n = 5) received thiopental as a continuous intravenous infusion. Tmax was measured with 2.9 +/- 1.1 min, Tmax/2 with 4.7 +/- 1.2 min and the MAG3-clearance was 6.8 +/- 1.6 ml/min/kg. In group C (n = 5), the dogs were given propofol and halothane, and the values determined for Tmax and Tmax/2 were 4.8 +/- 2.7 and 4.8 +/- 1.4 min, respectively. The MAG3-clearance was 10.0 +/- 2.3 ml/min/kg. It is concluded that the anaesthetic regime used has a distinct influence on the reference values.

Anesthesia↗

[Measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after administration of iodine contrast medium with the Renalyzer PRX90 in healthy cats and cats with kidney diseases].

In the present study, the measurement of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the cat with the aid of an iodine contrast medium clearance with the renalyzer PRX90 is introduced. Investigations on the accuracy of measurement showed that even repeated measurement of plasma samples after two days of storage at room temperature yielded reproducible clearance results. Also, partial dilution of the plasma sample (2 ml with 1 ml Aqua bidest.) to reduce the volume of blood withdrawn still produced reliable results. Further dilution of the plasma volume (1 ml with 2 ml Aqua bidest.) however did not allow for accurate measurements. A total of 59 cats of different age and sex were included in the study. 31 cats had healthy kidneys with urea and creatinine values within the reference range, unchanged urine findings and physiologic urine protein patterns (SDS-PAGE). These cats served as reference group. The GFR reference value ascertained for these animals was 2.1 ml/min/kg BW (mean = 3.45 ml/min/kg with s = +/- 1.0 ml/min/kg). 28 cats had elevated values of urea and creatinine in the blood, as well as partially changed urine findings. For further diagnosis of renal disease, separation of urine proteins was done with the SDS-PAGE in the PhastSystem, which in all cases yielded a pathologic urine protein pattern. In 11 cases the renal disease could be further confirmed by histological investigation. GFR in these patients was clearly lowered compared with healthy cats, with measured values between 0 and 1.8 ml/min/kg. It can be concluded that the renalyzer allows reliable determination of the GFR also in the cat. To what extent measurement of the GFR is also helpful to diagnose nephropathies in the stage of compensation needs to be further investigated. In cats with high grade uremia and a GFR below 1 ml/min however, an exact calculation is not possible, since the accuracy of measurement within this range is inadequate. Thus, in severe disease no correct assessment is possible, and no statement concerning prognosis can be made.

Animals↗

[Meniscus injuries in dogs with rupture of the cruciate ligament].

In a period of 18 months, 132 stifle joints of 125 dogs with a partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined according to a systematic protocol at the Clinic for Small Animals of the School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany. Surgery was performed with either an intraarticular or extraarticular surgical technique. In all cases a "cleaning up" was carried out. If the medial meniscus was damaged it was resected and the lesion was inspected macroscopically. After six months, 88 patients were examined clinically and radiologically according to the same protocol as half a year before. Injuries of the medial meniscus occurred in 77.3% of the 132 cases. Furthermore it could be shown that patients which had a lameness for more than six weeks before examination had a higher rate of lesions of the medial meniscus than patients that had been lame for a shorter period. A detachment of the caudal horn of the medial meniscus was the most common meniscal lesion. There was no difference in success of therapy between patients with a meniscal resection and those without resection.

Animals↗

[Megadolicho basilar artery as indication of intensive care relevant vertebrobasilar ischemia].

An ectasia and enlargement of the basilar artery by a fusiform aneurysm is called megadolicho basilaris. We report five cases with this condition identified at our clinic since 1989, reflecting an incidence of 0.05 percent (5/9300 scans). All patients presented with an acute brainstem syndrome (medullary in 2, pontine in 1 and pontomedullary in 2 patient). With one exception, all cases required intensive care due to respiratory insufficiency. Two patients died, one required total care, and two patients made a good recovery, one of these under therapeutic anticoagulation. All but one patient experienced additional episodes of cerebrovascular ischemia before or after presentation. Vascular risk factors were found in four patients. The detection of a megadolicho basilaris identifies a patient subgroup that is highly prone to vertebrobasilar ischemia and therefore of high significance for neurological intensive care medicine. Recurrence rate for ischemia is high. While even a severe brainstem syndrome may be reversed under anticoagulation in the individual case, presence of multiple vascular risk factors often prevents the employment of this treatment modality.

Aged↗

The effects of sulpiride on psychomotor performance and subjective tolerance.

In many European countries, the substituted benzamide sulpiride is used with antidepressant indication in the dosage range of 150-300 mg on an outpatient population. This raises the concern of possible impairments of psychomotor performance in this dosage range. To address this question, the psychometric effects of 300 mg of sulpiride in comparison with placebo in 12 healthy volunteers was evaluated in this study. In a randomised, double-blind, two-way, within-subjects (cross-over) design, visuomotor performance was assessed using time estimation, critical flicker fusion, and choice reaction time tasks at baseline and 4 h after oral administration of either 300 mg of sulpiride or placebo. In addition, self-ratings on subjective well-being were obtained. Results were evaluated using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with baseline levels as covariates. In healthy subjects, 300 mg of sulpiride caused no alteration in time estimation and choice reaction movement time, whereas critical flicker fusion frequency was lower and choice-reaction decision time were prolonged under medication. Self-rating scales showed no significant differences between sulpiride and placebo. Subjects were not able to tell whether they received placebo or sulpiride. This study indicates that sulpiride is subjectively well tolerated at a dosage of 300 mg. However, using psychometric methods, effects are demonstrable that can be interpreted as a reduction of excitatory arousal without causing the subjective experience of sedation. These results call for caution when prescribing the drug to outpatients.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Improvement of cognitive function in schizophrenic patients receiving clozapine or zotepine: results from a double-blind study.

Clinical interest in the so-called atypical antipsychotics currently focuses on the possibility of improving the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and the cognitive dysfunction associated with the disease. While clozapine has been shown to be effective in this respect, no data are available on zotepine. We report on a double-blind randomized study designed to evaluate the impact of zotepine and clozapine on cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Cognitive function was operationalized by a maze test in which patients traversed computer-displayed mazes of increasing complexity. Passage time, route, and motor errors were evaluated. 25 schizophrenic (DSM-IIIR) patients were included in each group. After washout, they were randomized on zotepine or clozapine and given up to 450 mg of substance each. Patients were followed for six weeks and evaluated weekly. We report on a subsample of 26 patients matched for baseline BPRS, SANS, and age. 13 matched healthy persons were recruited as controls. ANOVA with group and course over time as factors was used for analysis. Both clozapine and zotepine achieved a highly significant decrease in overall symptoms (BPRS) and negative symptoms (SANS). Zotepine and clozapine were equally effective. In the maze tests, motor errors in simple mazes were stable over time and differentiated schizophrenics from controls as a "trait" marker. In passage time and maze route, schizophrenics performed worse than controls. An improvement by medication was evident in both medication groups, but was more pronounced in the zotepine-treated group. The study confirms previous results on the efficacy of clozapine and zotepine in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The data presented show for the first time that zotepine is efficacious in improving cognitive dysfunction, confirming this substance's value as an atypical antipsychotic.

Adult↗

[Ultrasonography of the stifle joint in dogs].

This paper gives an overview of the sonographic possibilities to examine the canine stifle joint. Sonographic examination was performed in stifle joints of 30 dogs without any pathologic changes in the hind leg. The sonographic examination is presented with corresponding sonographical findings. For this indication a linear- and sector transducer with 7.5 Mhz was proved to be useful. The patellar ligament could be scanned very well by a linear transducer in a longitudinal section using a standoff pad. Both the lateral and medial meniscus could be inspected, as well as injuries of the menisci. As an indirect sign to a lesion, effusions of the joint were proved quite sensitively. The cruciate ligaments could not be demonstrated correctly with ultrasound. The ultrasonography is used for the investigation of the soft tissue structures as the completion of the radiology. The scanning diagnostic technique is practicable with a low technical expenditure, is not stressful for the patient and can be repeated for therapy controls: Disadvantageous is that ultrasound is prone to artifacts, caused by the thinness of the structures examined.

Animals↗

[Urine protein analysis with the sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in healthy cats and cats with kidney diseases].

In this investigation, the value of urine protein analysis by means of molecular-weight related sodium dodecyl-polyacryl gradient gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was examined with regard to its applicability and diagnostic significance in nephropathy in the cat. A total of 87 cats was included in the study, 30 of them that were clinically healthy served as the control group. The urine protein pattern of this group had, besides the band representing the market albumin, and additional broad band within the size of the marker transferrin. In some cases, weak bands were present within the range of the Tamm-Horsfall-protein and immunoglobulin G. Micromolecular protein bands were not demonstrable. The remaining 57 animals had a histologically proven nephropathy. Thirty-eight cats had elevated urea and/or creatinine values in the plasma (group 1), and 19 animals had values within the reference range (group 2). The urine protein pattern as evidenced by SDS-urine electrophoresis was altered in all cats with histologically proven nephropathy, and it is thus concluded that with this technique a nephropathy can be diagnosed very early and prior to changes of plasma urea and creatinine (group 2). Moreover, in most of the cases, the nephrological changes can be classified as glomerular or tubulo-interstitial (group 1 and group 2). However, it is not possible to draw exact conclusions concerning the underlying morphological changes, nor can the severity of the disease be correctly assessed.

Albuminuria↗