Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Lang

Publications and source records attributed to C Lang.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

[Complications in the endoscopic polypectomy of colonic adenomas].

Endoscopic polypectomy is associated with a small but definite risk of bleeding and perforation. Patients with large adenomas are thus usually hospitalized for endoscopic resection. In order to evaluate whether these procedures can be performed in the setting of one day surgery, we retrospectively analyzed the complications and results of polypectomy done in the period from 1.1.1990 through 31.12.1994. Of 1399 colorectal adenomas respected in 680 patients, 385 (28%) were larger than 1 cm. Altogether we observed only 3 (0.2%) clinically significant complications: bleeding was seen in 2 patients, of whom only one required transfusion of one unit. One patient required surgery because of perforation after removal of a sessile cecal adenoma with uneventful outcome. These results show that endoscopic resection of colorectal adenomas is safe even if the polyps are large.

Colonic Polyps↗

Measurement of amniochorionic membrane thickness using high-frequency ultrasound.

Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) accounts for approximately 30 per cent of all preterm deliveries. PROM is thought to be mainly due to a decrease in membrane integrity. The aim of our investigation was to determine, post-partum after 28 normal deliveries, the thickness of the amniochorionic membrane using a 20 MHz high-frequency ultrasound. The data obtained were compared with histological sections for measurement accuracy using a linear regression analysis method. The membrane thickness of the total study group was 0.83 +/- 0.11 mm (0.72-1.08 mm). Based on a statistical comparison with the histological sections, the high-frequency ultrasound examination was shown to be highly reliable, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.96 (P < 0.0001). High-frequency ultrasonographic examinations of membrane thickness are an objective and reliable method and may be a gain to prenatal diagnostics once this method can be used in vivo.

Adolescent↗

Determination of oenothein B as the active 5-alpha-reductase-inhibiting principle of the folk medicine Epilobium parviflorum.

Several extracts from Epilobium parviflorum, a plant used in Central Europe for the treatment of prostate disorders, were evaluated in a biochemical assay with 5-alpha-reductase. The aqueous extract displaying inhibition of the enzyme was analyzed, the fraction responsible for this activity was purified, and the active compound identified as a macrocyclic tannin, oenothein B (1).

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

[Measuring amniochorionic membrane thickness with high frequency ultrasound].

The postpartal thickness of the amniochorionic membrane was measured by means of 20 MHz ultrasound after 28 inconspicuous deliveries in the course of a prospective study. The aim of our investigation was to determine the thickness of the amniochorionic membrane using high frequency ultrasound and to evaluate the results for a statistical correlation with fetal and maternal parameters. The data obtained were compared with histological sections for measurement accuracy using a linear regression analysis method. Membrane thickness of the total study group was 0.83 +/- 0.11 mm (0.72-1.08 mm). Based on a statistical comparison with the histological sections, the high frequency ultrasonographic examination was shown to be highly reliable with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.96 (p < 0.0001). Results obtained by ultrasonography were correlated with maternal (gestational age, patient age, parity) and neonatal (size and weight at birth, sex, placental weight, Apgar 1/5/10) parameters by means of linear regression analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between parity and membrane thickness (r = 0.485, p < 0.05). There was also a correlation of Apgar scores at 5 minutes post partum (r = 0.485, p < 0.05). We were able to demonstrate that the measurement of membrane thickness by ultrasound is an objective and reliable method and may be a gain to prenatal diagnostics when used in vivo.

Adolescent↗

Preschoolers of dysphoric mothers.

Dysphoric mothers rated their preschool children as having more internalizing and externalizing behavior problems than children of nondysphoric mothers. Observers rated the dysphoric mothers as having more negative affect during play interactions, although their children's affect was not rated more negatively. The dysphoric mother-infant dyads were also rated as having a poorer quality interaction. These data suggest that mothers' chronic dysphoria (75% were chronically dysphoric) has a negative impact on the mothers' perceptions of their children as well as the mothers' and children's interaction behavior.

Adult↗

[Treatment of rectum adenoma. Retrospective study of the treatment of inpatients (1987-1991)].

In carrying out an evaluation prior to acquisition of equipment for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), we wished to examine current concepts in the treatment of rectal adenoma, i.e.: What form of surgery was chosen in relation to the dimension and localization of the adenoma? Should the indications for the particular procedure be changed to render it less invasive? Should the new endoscopic surgical method TEM be introduced? 134 inpatients covering a 5-year period were evaluated. We analyzed the correlation between localization of the adenoma in the rectum (42% low, 22% middle, 36% high position), diameter of the tumor (37% < 2 cm, 38% 2-4 cm, 11% 4-6 cm, 10% > 6 cm) and type of surgery (endoscopic 27%, transanal 45%, anterior resection 25%). We found a high percentage of anterior resections in the middle rectum which could be reduced by introduction of the less invasive TEM. 29 (22%) of our patients could have been treated with TEM.

Adenoma↗

[Initial results with laparoscopic fundoplication].

17 patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease not responding to medical treatment. Conversion to laparotomy was necessarily due to large paraesophageal hiatus hernia (3) or severe peri-esophagitis (1) in 4 patients. There was no perioperative morbidity or mortality. At 3 months all patients were symptom-free. Esophageal manometry revealed a rise in mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure from 4 mm Hg preoperatively to 11 mm Hg postoperatively, and lengthening of the high pressure zone from 2.3 to 3.3 cm. One patient needed reoperation one year after fundoplication due to wrap disruption with recurrent reflux disease. Laparoscopic fundoplication involves low perioperative morbidity and shortens the postoperative recovery time in selected patients.

Adult↗

[Neurotoxicity of aluminum. Study of a long-term exposed sample of workers of an aluminum powder industry].

Within the framework of a transverse study, the mental performance of a group of subjects exposed to aluminium over many years (n = 32; aluminium powder industry) was compared with that of a structurally similar control group (n = 30). Neuropsychological and electrophysiological tests revealed no signs of cognitive performance, despite aluminium burdening. Aluminium levels in plasma and urine were elevated.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Efficient expression and secretion of Aspergillus niger RH5344 polygalacturonase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

An Aspergillus niger endopolygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15) cDNA was expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Secretion of the protein into the growth medium was efficiently directed by the fungal leader sequence, and processing occurred at the same site as in Aspergillus. The expression level was significantly enhanced by using a "short" version of the yeast ADHI promoter. An additional increase in the yield of heterologous protein was due to a higher plasmid stability and a rise in plasmid copy number. This was achieved by deleting most of the bacterial sequences from the expression vector. The yeast-derived enzyme showed the same enzymatic and biochemical properties as the fungal polygalacturonase, such as substrate specificity, pH and temperature optima and pI value. The yeast-derived enzyme, however, showed a higher degree of glycosylation and exhibited a more pronounced temperature stability than the fungal enzyme.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

The effects of hormone substitution in depot form on the uterus in a group of 50 perimenopausal women--a vaginosonographic study.

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of hormone replacement on the size of the uterus and the development or increase of myomatas. Fifty perimenopausal women were included in the study (53.8 +/- 5.0 years). Patients received a substitution therapy composed of a combination of 4 mg estradiovalerate and 200 mg prasteronenantate (Gynodian Depot cartridges) given as a muscular injection in 6-10 week intervals (mean 7 weeks +/- 4 days). Prior to the onset of therapy with Gynodian and after a period of 12 months (+/- 13 days) vaginosonography was performed. Measurements taken were length, thickness, height of endometrium, size of ovaries and of myomas. Data obtained were correlated with baseline findings. Within 1 year, significant increases in uterus length from 73.4 mm to 88.2 mm, in uterus thickness from 33.9 mm to 43.5 mm and in endometrium height from 4.1 mm to 6.7 mm were observed (median values). There was an increase in both the number (from 2.2 to 3.5) and the size of the myomatas (29.4-35.0 mm diameter). A statistical analysis conducted by means of the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed-rank sum test showed P < 0.001. No significant change occurred in the size of the ovaries. Our study shows that hormone substitution may have an impact on uterus growth and that therefore vaginosonographical monitoring can be recommended.

Dehydroepiandrosterone↗

[Age and sex specific differences in bone density of 4,000-year-old individuals. Bone density measurement of early Bronze Age femurs from excavations in Unterhautzenthal, Lower Austria].

Bone density measurements of 14 individuals (early Bronze Age, 2200-1600 BC), analyzed by dual-energy absorptiometry, showed a distinct difference between women and men. In men, there was a high bone density (+17.9%-0.290 g/cm2 difference). In females, a constant decrease in bone density was found after the age of 20-25 years (from 1.2 g/cm2 at 20 years to 0.8 g/cm2 at 40 years of age). With caution, the results are comparable with those of the present time.

Age Factors↗

Adolescents' intimacy with parents and friends.

Adolescents' perceived levels of intimacy with their mother, father, and close friend were examined as a function of demographic, family and school, and psychological variables. Students with same-sex friends and greater interest in school reported greater intimacy with their mothers. Students with higher self-esteem, lower depression, and lower risk-taking scores reported greater intimacy with their mothers and fathers. The greatest number of relationships with positive variables involved intimacy with mothers.

Adolescent↗

Expression in Escherichia coli: production and purification of both subunits of the human general transcription factor TFIIE.

Both subunits of the human class II transcription factor TFIIE (rTFIIE alpha and rTFIIE beta) have been overexpressed in Escherichia coli at 26 degrees C using a T7 RNA polymerase expression system and further purified to apparent homogeneity. As in this system rTFIIE alpha was poorly expressed and copurified with a truncated form, we expressed rTFIIE alpha as a fusion protein. These overexpressed subunits of TFIIE are similar to the endogenous subunits according to the following criteria: molecular weight, microsequencing, and transcription activity.

Affinity Labels↗

"Depressed" mothers' perceptions of their preschool children's vulnerability.

"Depressed" mothers who scored in the depression range on the Beck Depression Inventory when their infants were 3-months-old were asked to complete the Vulnerable Child Scale when their children were preschool age. Depressed versus non-depressed mothers rated their preschool children as being more vulnerable (as did an independent observer) as well as having more behavior problems. The vulnerability ratings were significantly related to infancy stage measures including the POMS (mothers' depressed mood), the infants' behavior ratings and heart rate range during interactions with a nondepressed stranger. These measures of the mothers' and infants' behavior tapped during early infancy may have contributed to the mothers having perceived their children as "vulnerable" during the preschool stage.

Adult↗

[Lipofibroma of the median nerve. Clinical report of two cases].

The following article presents two new cases of a lipofibroma of the median nerve. This formation is a very rare benign tumor of peripheral nerve tissue. Up to now 30 cases have been reported in the literature and are reviewed in this article and are compared with the two cases reported. Besides the operative treatment, which made the neuropathological diagnosis possible, preoperative diagnosis has been extended by MNT-scans of the involved parts of the nerve. The noninfiltrating character of the tumor could be well recognized on these scans. The signal quality and the anatomical proximity to the median nerve made the diagnosis of a lipofibroma likely. By the postoperative histological reviews the diagnosis was confirmed in classic manner. The immunological marking of the S-100 protein showed a remarkable reduction of this protein in these peripheral nerve tumors. The two cases reported by us recapitulate the clinical history typically and describe symptoms and our treatment for the lipofibroma of the median nerve.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Oral hairy leukoplakia in a patient with ulcerative colitis.

A 30-year-old man with ulcerative colitis developed oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL). Serological examination for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and HIV-2 infection showed no abnormalities. Biopsy specimen of the lateral tongue showed ballooned prickle cells, and electron microscopy revealed herpes-type viruses. Immunologic investigation of the patient showed a marked decrease in T-helper cells as a result of immunosuppressive regimen. The present report appears to be the first well-documented case of OHL in an HIV-negative patient with ulcerative colitis. OHL may be a marker for severe immunosuppression but is not necessarily associated with HIV infection. Patients with iatrogenic immunosuppression should be monitored for OHL. Concerning the marked decrease in T-helper cells in this case, the presence of OHL may imply the examination of T-lymphocyte subsets in patients such as HIV-infected individuals or in organ transplant recipients.

Adult↗