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Biomedical subjects

G Stern

Publications and source records attributed to G Stern.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

[The effect of the vertical bracket position on the orthodontic finish].

As during orthodontic treatment and in particular during the phase of the precise adjustment of occlusion by applying the "straight-wire technique" problems arise as far as the vertical dimensions are concerned, the usual distances between the bracket slots and the edges of the incisors respectively the top of the cusps have been verified. Measurements were done on models at the end of treatment of ten patients treated with fixed attachments who may represent ideal occlusion as far as profile radiographs and gnathology were concerned. After regulation of the plane of occlusion the vertical distances between the slot base plane (parallel to the plane of occlusion) and the edge of the incisors respectively tops of cusps were measured by means of a modified parallelometer in connection with a special slot and tube support as well as a specially developed dial test indicator, while a maximum fit between bracket base and buccal crown surface was given. In case of the upper front brackets (torque + 22 degrees) large vertical measurement to the edge of the incisors were recorded, 8.25 respectively 8.33 mm). This may be attributable to excessive torque of the applied brackets. Only approximate figures for the vertical positioning for other teeth could be given, as anatomical variations have to be considered.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Different applications of various wire alloys in fixed appliance technic].

Steel, beta-Titanium and NiTi archwires (0.016 inch) as well as twisted steel wires (0.0175 inch) were subjected to a bending test. The results were presented graphically. Steel (Tru-Chrome), beta-Titanium (TMA), the twisted steel wires and only one NiTi wire (Nitinol) showed linear force-deflection-diagrams. The other NiTi alloys showed a curved line with a constant force in the middle part. The superelastic wires delivered the same initial force, whether 2 or 4 mm activated. The larger the deformation the longer became the range with a constant force (superelasticity). With an activation of 1 mm a conventional force deflection diagram was found. The steel wire (Tru-Chrome) showed the steepest curve, followed by TMA, Nitinol, some superelastic wires, Twistflex and Respond as well as Pentacat. The last two wires showed an identical diagram. The NiTi-alloy Sentalloy yellow was comparable to Wild Cat, Sentalloy blue to Respond. Some examples of the application of the different arch wires in patients are presented.

Alloys↗
PubMed1988

Could Parkinson's disease follow intra-uterine influenza?: a speculative hypothesis.

Patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease do not appear to be distributed smoothly with respect to year of birth. Individuals born within the years 1892, 1904, 1909, 1918, 1919 and 1929 appear to have had an increased risk of developing idiopathic Parkinson's disease in later life. These years are close to those of the influenza pandemics of the period 1890-1930. The estimated risk of an individual developing idiopathic Parkinson's disease shows a significant correlation with the crude influenza mortality for the year of his birth, within the range 1900 to 1930. It is suggested that intra-uterine influenza may be cytotoxic to the developing foetal substantia nigra, and that an affected individual may be born without evident disability but with limited striatal neurochemical reserves and a reduced nigral cell count. In later life normal cellular involution with ageing or exposure to environmental neurotoxic factors may further erode these reserves to a level where the substantia nigra fails and idiopathic Parkinson's disease becomes clinically apparent.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Central stridor from an ependymoma.

Described herein is the case of one patient who presented with manifestations of an acquired obstructive hydrocephalus and hiccups. After shunting, this patient developed paroxysmal laryngeal stridor and other noises refractory to medications. At autopsy he was found to have a calcified ependymoma.

Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms↗
PubMed1986

MPTP: clinical implications.

The concept of selective vulnerability of the basal ganglia is briefly reviewed historically, with respect to the possible implications of MPTP and also the possible protective effects of selective MOA inhibition in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗
PubMed1985

The symptoms of patients treated for Parkinson's disease.

One hundred and eighty-one patients with treated Parkinson's disease completed a self-administered questionnaire on symptoms, and their responses were compared with those of 263 control subjects randomly selected from a general practice population. Nine symptoms were reported by the patients with more than a fivefold excess when compared with the controls. These included jerking of the limbs, shaking of the hands, excessive salivation, poor mental concentration, grimacing, being frozen or rooted to the spot, and hallucinations. Compared with the general control population, the patients did not have an excess of stomach or limb pain, indigestion, headache, or any decrease of interest in sex. This observational survey, unlike a randomised controlled trial, could not ensure that the different treatment groups were comparable in important respects. However, certain associations were apparent; for example, patients receiving both a decarboxylase inhibitor and levodopa tended to report fewer attacks of being frozen to the spot, fewer problems with salivation, and a reduced frequency of defaecation. Patients receiving anticholinergic drugs reported an excess of dry mouth, faintness, and dyskinesia, and fewer hot flushes.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Neurological involvement in type 1 (adult) Gaucher's disease.

A case of type 1 (adult) Gaucher's disease with a late onset tapeto-retinal degeneration and an initially dopamine responsive extrapyramidal syndrome is described. The literature reporting neurological involvement in type 1 Gaucher's disease is reviewed, and it is concluded that the absence of symptoms and signs of nervous system involvement cannot be used as the sole basis for the classification of this type of Gaucher's disease.

Basal Ganglia Diseases↗
PubMed1984

Quantitative adherence of bacteria to human corneal epithelial cells.

An in vitro assay was used to quantitatively determine the ability of a variety of bacteria to adhere to human corneal epithelial cells. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found to adhere to corneal epithelium significantly better than other species that were tested. However, there was considerable variability in the adherence of individual strains of these bacterial species. The results of this study support the hypothesis that the frequency with which certain species of bacteria cause bacterial corneal ulceration may be related to the ability of those organisms to adhere to corneal epithelium. In addition, differences in pathogenicity between strains of a given species may be related to the variability of adherence within a species.

Bacterial Physiological Phenomena↗
PubMed1983

Multi-disciplinary perspectives on post-partum depression: an anthropological critique.

One negative outcome of the post-partum period is the occurrence of post-partum depression. While the incidence levels are high in the U.S. for the 'Blues' and the 'moderate level depression disorder', the nature of this phenomenon--as a disease and as an illness--remains unclear. It is suggested that an anthropological perspective incorporating symbolic behavior and biological processes may more effectively address the problem than isolated biological and psycho-social research. Theories of etiology based strictly in biological mechanisms have resulted in a treatment bias towards pharmacological intervention; this paper suggests that more attention should be given to the impact of the cultural patterning of the post-partum period, e.g. the structure, organization of the family group and role expectations. A review of the anthropological literature on childbirth provides little evidence for post-partum depression. Our own observations and an examination of the cross-cultural literature have identified common elements in the social structuring of the post-partum period. They include: (1) cultural patterning of a distinct post-partum period; (2) protective measures designed to reflect the vulnerability of the new mother; (3) social seclusion; (4) mandated rest; (5) assistance in tasks from relatives and/or midwife; (6) social recognition of new social status through rituals, gifts or other means. A hypothesis is proposed that a relationship exists between post-partum social organization/mobilization and post-partum depression. The experience of 'depression' in the U.S. may represent a culture bound syndrome resulting from the lack of social structuring of the post-partum events, social recognition of the role transition for the new mother and instrumental support and aid for the new mother.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗
PubMed1979

Comparative trial of volunteer and professional treatments of dysphasia after stroke.

A study of the treatment of dysphasia after stroke compared the progress of two groups of disabled patients. One received conventional treatment from qualified speech therapists and the other from non-professional volunteers. Methods of assessing communication difficulties were also compared and the impact of aphasic illness on families examined. No important differences in the results of treatment were seen between the two groups. The volunteers, however, often had to assume some of the responsibilities of social workers, and transport to hospital created practical and economic problems. It is concluded that the two forms of treatment provide essentially the same benefit, although doubt must still remain because relatively few patients were studied.

Aged↗