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Biomedical subjects

B Wimmer

Publications and source records attributed to B Wimmer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Non-invasive assessment of parasitic nematode species diversity in wild Soay sheep using molecular markers.

Considerable effort has been put into detecting and identifying parasitic nematodes in live ruminants, but to date most studies are limited to a small group of nematodes and/or to experimentally infected sheep. In this study, a PCR-based assay using species-specific primer pairs, located in the second internal transcribed spacer ribosomal DNA, was developed to identify nine different species from six different families of parasitic nematodes in a wild, unmanaged and naturally infected population of sheep. Each primer pair was tested for its specificity and sensitivity and it exclusively amplified the species it was designed for and exhibited a high degree of sensitivity. The method was applied to eggs and cultured larvae to identify the parasitic nematodes present in a pooled faecal sample from several host individuals with unknown parasite burden. To test detection reliability, a faecal sample from an individual with known parasite burden (through post-mortem analysis) was also examined. All species present could be correctly identified by PCR, but detecting very low levels and/or early stages of infection proved to be difficult. The method was also tested for its applicability to high through-put screening of faecal samples.

Ancylostomatoidea↗
PubMed2001

[Communication barriers in the management of immigrants and their children. An analysis and possible solutions based on case reports].

Up to 41% of patients treated in health care institutions and hospitals in Vienna are non-German-speaking. As one half of the foreign population of Vienna speaks little or no German, their treatment in health care institutions is a difficult issue. Based on exemplary case reports, linguistic and socio-cultural communication barriers in health care are presented and the problematic area of foreign-language communication is analysed. Misunderstandings due to communication barriers not only have a negative financial impact on health care economy, they also complicate the individual care of these patients. Based on the experience gained thus far and in concurrence with the developments in other European countries, the use of professional interpreters who combine their role as linguistic intermediaries with the cultural features of foreign-language patients (community interpreters) should be encouraged. The use of specifically trained internal hospital staff is recommended as well. A concept to coordinate central organisations that provide interpreters in the public field may substantially enhance the quality and efficiency of health care in this special situation.

Austria↗
PubMed1997

The glyoxysomal and plastid molecular chaperones (70-kDa heat shock protein) of watermelon cotyledons are encoded by a single gene.

The monoclonal a-70-kDa heat shock protein (hsp70) antibody recognizes in crude extracts from watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) cotyledons two hsps with molecular masses of 70 and 72 kDa. Immunocytochemistry on watermelon cotyledon tissue and on isolated glyoxysomes identified hsp70s in the matrix of glyoxysomes and plastids. Affinity purification and partial amino acid determination revealed the 70-kDa protein to share high sequence identity with cytosolic hsp70s from a number of plant species, while the 72 kDa protein was very similar to plastid hsp70s from pea and cucumber. A full-length cDNA clone encoding the 72-kDa hsp70 was isolated and identified two start methionines in frame within the N-terminal presequence leading either to an N-terminal extension of 67 amino acids or to a shorter one of 47 amino acids. The longer presequence was necessary and sufficient to target a reporter protein into watermelon proplastids in vitro. The shorter extension starting from the second methionine within the long version harbored a consensus peroxisomal targeting signal (RT-X5-KL) that directed in vivo a reporter protein into peroxisomes of the yeast Hansenula polymorpha. Peroxisomal targeting was however prevented, when the 67-residue presequence was fused to the reporter protein, indicating that the peroxisomal targeting signal 2 information is hidden in this context. We propose that the 72-kDa hsp70 is encoded by a single gene, but targeted alternatively into two organelles by the modulated use of its presequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

A novel type of thermostable alpha-D-glucosidase from Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus exhibiting maltodextrinohydrolase activity.

An alpha-glucosidase with the ability to attack polymeric substrates was purified to homogeneity from culture supernatants of Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus DSM 567. The enzyme is apparently a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 160 kDa. Maximal activity is observed between pH5 and 7 at 75 degrees C. The alpha-glucosidase is active towards p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-glucoside, maltose, malto-oligosaccharides, starch and pullulan. Highest activity is displayed towards the disaccharide maltose. In addition to glucose, maltohexaose and maltoheptaose can be detected as the initial products of starch hydrolysis. After short incubations of pullulan, glucose is found as the only product. At high substrate concentrations, maltose and malto-oligosaccharide, but not glucose, are used as acceptors for glucosyl-transfer. These findings indicate that the T. thermohydrosulfuricus enzyme represents a novel type of alpha-glucosidase exhibiting maltase, glucohydrolase and 'maltodextrinohydrolase' activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

A cysteine endopeptidase isolated from castor bean endosperm microbodies processes the glyoxysomal malate dehydrogenase precursor protein.

A plant cysteine endopeptidase with a molecular mass of 35 kD was purified from microbodies of germinating castor bean (Ricinus communis) endosperm by virtue of its capacity to specifically process the glyoxysomal malate dehydrogenase precursor protein to the mature subunit in vitro. Processing of the glyoxysomal malate dehydrogenase precursor occurs sequentially in three steps, the first intermediate resulting from cleavage after arginine-13 within the presequence and the second from cleavage after arginine-33. The endopeptidase is unable to remove the presequences of prethiolases from rape (Brassica napus) glyoxysomes and rat peroxisomes at the expected cleavage site. Protein sequence analysis of N-terminal and internal peptides revealed high identity to the mature papain-type cysteine endopeptidases from cotyledons of germinating mung bean (Vigna mungo) and French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds. These endopeptidases are synthesized with an extended pre-/prosequence at the N terminus and have been considered to be processed in the endoplasmic reticulum and targeted to protein-storing vacuoles.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Osteoarthritis after the Eden-Hybbinette-Lange procedure for anterior dislocation of the shoulder. A 15 year follow up.

We have quantified the rate and severity of osteoarthritis after the Eden-Hybbinette-Lange procedure. With a mean follow up of 15 years, 44/56 (79%) of operated shoulders showed osteoarthritic changes on radiographic review. Of the contralateral non-operated shoulders the rate of osteoarthritis was 8/60 (8%). Only shoulders in the operated group demonstrated severe osteoarthritis. In our hands the rate of osteoarthritis for the Eden-Hybbinette-Lange procedure is higher than for the Eden-Hybbinette procedure or for rival operations for recurrent dislocation. We recommend careful evaluation of the Eden-Hybbinette-Lange procedure. The high rate of late osteoarthritis indicates that other operations with an equally low rate of redislocation may be of greater long term benefit to the patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Significance of ligamentotaxis for internal fixator osteosynthesis in fractures of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae].

Between 1985 and 1990 104 operations on the lower thoracic and lumbar spine using the AO-internal spinal fixation system were performed. The preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans as well as either the postoperative CT scans or the CT scans taken after implant removal of 41 cases were available for evaluation of the narrowing of the spinal canal and the subsequent fracture reduction by means of computer-aided planimetry. It is shown that a near normal reduction of the spinal canal through ligamentotaxis is achieved for a fracture between T 12 and L 2, whereas for fractures between L 3 and L 5 an incomplete reduction is observed. A correlation between the neurologic deficit and the degree of narrowing of the spinal canal could not be established. Obviously, the damage to the spinal cord is determined primarily through the dynamic forces of the impact. Also no statistical correlation could be demonstrated in our cases of the time interval between accident and operation to the degree of reduction of the fracture achieved.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin-positive extragonadal germ cell neoplasia of the renal pelvis.

A 56-year-old woman showed renal obstruction on the right side. Further examinations revealed a tumor of the renal pelvis. Nephroureterectomy on the right side was done. This extragonadal germ cell neoplasia had an immunohistochemically detected beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) expression. There were no other primary tumors or metastases. Although there were normal values after the operation, during the postoperative follow-up, the serum beta-hCG temporarily reached 2400 IU/l and then dropped to normal without detection of metastases. No further therapy was given. The patient was alive and well 1 year and 10 months after surgery. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first extragonadal germ cell neoplasia of the renal pelvis with secretion of beta-hCG to the serum.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed1991

[Clinical and radiologic legal assessment of spinal injuries using the segmental principle].

Cat scanning of the traumatized spine led to an approved classification of different types of lesions. Its application is important--not only for therapeutic reasons but also for the judgement of the end results. The classification enables the definition of a remaining instability (radiological and clinical) and is useful for the evaluation of the prognosis according to the structural changes within the motion segments. The conventional way of appreciating working capacity is no longer satisfying considering the improved diagnostic tools and the increasing frequency of various deformities, instability and even ankylosis and their combinations. As in the evaluation of peripheral joint function a concept is proposed, which is based on the structural changes in the motion segments and their motility. According to the kind and amount of deformity and instability the segment value is multiplicated with factors 1 to 6. The number of involved segments is added to obtain the definite range of working capacity. The concept is practicable in all parts of the vertebral column and allows a differentiated judgement within the usual percentages.

Disability Evaluation↗
PubMed1991

Pancreatic lesions in the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.

Common manifestations of the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, an autosomally dominant inherited cancer-prone disorder, include retinal angiomatosis, hemangioblastoma of the central nervous system, renal cysts, renal cancer, pheochromocytoma, and epididymal cystadenoma. Multiple cysts and microcystic (serous) cystadenomas of the pancreas have also been reported occasionally in patients afflicted with this syndrome. In the large Freiburg study of the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome composed of 66 affected individuals, pancreatic lesions were systematically studied. Fifty-five living individuals were examined by abdominal ultrasound imaging. Abnormal findings were confirmed by computed tomographic scan and/or magnetic resonance imaging. For an additional 11 decreased patients autopsy data were available. Cystic lesions of the pancreas were found in 10 patients (15%). One of these patients presented with multiple pancreatic cysts as the only manifestation of the syndrome. In one patient, a malignant islet-cell tumor was found at autopsy. Because multiple pancreatic cysts did not cause major clinical symptoms and because follow-up examinations over an average period of 5 years did not show significant progression of the lesions, it is concluded that these patients usually do not require surgical treatment. Abdominal ultrasound screening is recommended for patients at risk as a tool to identify potential von Hippel-Lindau syndrome gene carriers with pancreatic manifestations. In all patients with multiple pancreatic cysts, the von Hippel-Lindau syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[MR tomography of aneurysmal bone cyst].

The preoperative findings of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in six histology-proven aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are examined and compared with previous publications concerning MRI of ABC. The signal intensities differ considerably, and not all of our cases conform with the literature data. They can be summarised in three different subheadings: one form that is very inhomogeneous in T1- and T2-weighting, with fluid-fluid levels in the cystic spaces; one intermediate form without fluid-fluid levels, which is inhomogeneous only in T2-weighted images; and finally, an unusual form of ABC that has homogeneous low signal both in T1- and T2-weighting, and which has not been described in literature so far.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

CT-guided interventions. Present and future aspects.

Interventional radiology has given us new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities and is no longer a heroic procedure. The best information for the safest approach, except interventions in the vascular system, is provided by the CT scan. If the indications and conditions are respected and the intervention is done with care, it is possible to reach parts of the body, that were only accessible by surgery until now. In therapeutic interventions this also means, that the radiologist will be involved much more in the care of the patients than before.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1991

[Computed tomography of the superior and inferior ankle joint].

Computed tomography of the tibotalar and subtaler joints in standardised planes produces comparable images irrespective of examiners. Traumatic, degenerative or neoplastic lesions of the joint surfaces are shown without superimposition. Intraosseous changes can be localised exactly in relation to the joint. Assessment of possible fractures in children is simplified by simultaneous imaging of soft tissues and bone. Diagnosis of traumatic lesions of ligaments or tendons and dislocation of tendons by bone fragments is possible only on CT-images. After injection of air loose intra-articular bodies can be recognised much more satisfactorily with computed tomography than with conventional arthrography.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed1991

[CT-guided biopsy. Comments on the puncture technique].

Computed tomography is an universally applied method of controlling diagnostic puncture of unrecognized processes in practically any region of the human body. The conditions required, the puncture technique, the various pathways and the types of needles used are discussed.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed1991

[Percutaneous diagnosis and therapy of the bile ducts and gallbladder. Feasibility and status].

Percutaneous transhepatic access to the bile duct has opened up new possibilities not only for diagnosis by means of cholangiography and cholangioscopy with endoscopically guided biopsy by small-bore equipment, but also for the treatment of benign and malignant obstructive jaundice. In malignant disease recanalization of the obstruction is possible by means of laser, intracavitary irritation, internal bile drainage in Klatskin tumors, large-diameter endoprostheses (e.g., a Y-shaped prosthesis) or metal stents. In benign disease, balloon dilatation of inflammatory stenoses, stone extractions from the bile duct or gallbladder by means of Dormia baskets, ultrasound or piezoelectric shockwave-contact lithotripsy and chemical litholysis are possible. Very often percutaneous access is a real alternative to surgical intervention.

Bile Duct Diseases↗