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J F Huber

Publications and source records attributed to J F Huber.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Influence of a dynamic stabilisation system on load bearing of a bridged disc: an in vitro study of intradiscal pressure.

In recent years, non-fusion implants to stabilise the lumbar spine have become more and more popular. However, little is known on the load bearing of such dynamic stabilisation systems. In order to investigate the load bearing of discs bridged with rigid and dynamic stabilisation systems, six lumbar cadaver spines were mounted in a spine tester and loaded with pure moments in the three main motion planes. Four different states of the specimens were studied: intact, destabilised, stabilisation with a Dynesys and stabilisation with an internal fixator. Intradiscal pressure (IDP) measurements were used to assess the load bearing of the bridged disc. In the neutral unloaded position, there were small but not significant differences in disc pressure for the four states of the treated disc (P>0.05). Concerning the disc pressure during the course of loading, both the Dynesys and internal fixator did significantly reduce the pressure change from neutral to extension in comparison to the intact state (-0.05, -0.04 and +0.24 MPa, respectively) (P<0.05). Compared to the intact state, there was no significant pressure change from neutral to flexion (0.14, 0.15 and 0.18 MPa, respectively) (P>0.05). The devices apparently eliminated the pressure change from neutral to lateral bending (Dynesys 0.01 MPa, Fixator 0.01 MPa and intact 0.24 MPa), but due to large variations in the intact and defect states the differences were not significant (P>0.05). In axial rotation, the pressure change for the internal fixator was reduced compared to the intact state; however, the change was only significant in left axial rotation (P<0.05). The Dynesys showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in axial rotation. No changes in IDP were seen in the adjacent discs for either the Dynesys or the internal fixator. Our results showed that the IDPs for both devices were similar, but altered compared to the intact disc.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

A computer touch-screen version of the North American Spine Society outcome assessment instrument for the lumbar spine.

We validated the North American Spine Society (NASS) outcome-assessment instrument for the lumbar spine in a computerised touch-screen format and assessed patients' acceptance, taking into account previous computer experience, age and gender. Fifty consecutive patients with symptomatic and radiologically-proven degenerative disease of the lumbar spine completed both the hard copy (paper) and the computerised versions of the NASS questionnaire. Statistical analysis showed high agreement between the paper and the touch-screen computer format for both subscales (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.94, 95% confidence interval (0.90 to 0.97)) independent of computer experience, age and gender. In total, 55% of patients stated that the computer format was easier to use and 66% preferred it to the paper version (p < 0.0001 among subjects expressing a preference). Our data indicate that the touch-screen format is comparable to the paper form. It may improve follow-up in clinical practice and research by meeting patients' preferences and minimising administrative work.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine and its effects on adjacent segments: an in vitro experiment.

In recent years, nonfusion stabilization of the lumbar spine has gained more and more popularity. These nonfusion systems intend to maintain or restore the intersegmental motions to magnitudes of the intact spine and have no negative effects on the segments adjacent to the stabilized one. This study investigated the DYNESYS, a dynamic nonfusion system, which is designed to stabilize the bridged segments while maintaining the disc and the facet joints. To determine the magnitude of stabilization and the effect of the stabilization on the adjacent segment, six lumbar cadaver spines were fixed in a spine tester and loaded with pure moments in the three main motion planes. For each spine, four different stages were tested: intact, defect of the middle segment, fixation with the DYNESYS, and fixation with the internal fixator. Intersegmental motions were measured at all levels. For the bridged segment, the DYNESYS stabilized the spine and was more flexible than the internal fixator. This difference between the internal fixator and the DYNESYS was most pronounced in extension (P < 0.05), with the DYNESYS restoring the motion back to the level of the intact spine. The motion in the adjacent segments was not influenced by either stabilization method. Our results suggest that the DYNESYS provides substantial stability in case of degenerative spinal pathologies and can therefore be considered as an alternative method to fusion surgery in these indications while the motion segment is preserved.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Preschoolers' and adults' reliance on object shape and object function for lexical extension.

We investigated the developmental progression of reliance on object function versus object shape to extend novel words. In 3 experiments, 3-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and adults were presented with sets of objects consisting of a target, a same-shape/different-function match, a different-shape/same-function match, and a distracter. In Experiments 1 and 2, function was emphasized during the word learning phase and participants were given direct experience with the functions of target and test objects. In Experiment 3, function was emphasized both during the learning phase and when requesting a referent of the novel labels. Across all 3 experiments, 3- and 5-year-olds focused on shape while adults focused on function when extending the novel words. These results suggest a developmental change in the consideration of shape and function in lexical extension.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Determination of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in blood fractions by SEC-HPLC-ICP-AES coupling.

The binding of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn to proteins in blood and in blood fractions was investigated, since their interactions in free radical metabolism in humans is of great interest. An HPLC-ICP-AES technique was developed allowing adequate separation of metalloproteins and of inorganic and organic metal species. For the separation of metalloproteins in erythrocytes and blood plasma a Merck Superformance Fractogel EMD BioSEC 650 (S) column was used. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC)-HPLC was hyphenated to ICP-AES both on-line and off-line for the detection of trace elements in the fractions resulting from HPLC separations. HPLC parameters, pH, temperature, flow rate and salt concentration were optimized for the protein separation and the optimal conditions were applied for the hyphenation to the ICP-AES detector. The separation column was calibrated with five standard proteins. For the element determination by ICP-AES a line selection with respect to the sensitivity was performed. Three different methods were used for the determination of trace elements in blood: direct determinations, on-line and off-line SEC-HPLC-ICP-AES measurements. For the optimizing experiments blood samples of one female subject were used. The direct determination by ICP-AES of the elements was performed in blood and blood fractions of ten different subjects to obtain the average concentration ranges. From the results the identification of the protein Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes was possible. The LOD were 0.03 microgram mL-1 for Cu, 0.026 microgram mL-1 for Fe, 0.8 ng mL-1 for Mn, and 0.09 microgram mL-1 for Zn in a synthetic blood matrix.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Bilateral cortical blindness after lumbar spine surgery. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A report of the unusual perioperative complication of bilateral cortical blindness after lumbar spine surgery. The hypothetical causes that can lead to this syndrome in spine surgery and the precautions are discussed. OBJECTIVES: The circumstances surrounding the occurrence of perioperative cortical blindness, the explanation of possible mechanisms, and the patients at risk are evaluated. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There have been no similar reports. METHODS: Case report with description of the syndrome of cortical blindness, the diagnostic tools, and the different pathophysiologic causes. RESULTS: The severe impairment of visual capacities remained unchanged; some color discrimination and the differentiation between dark and daylight were possible. CONCLUSIONS: In obese patients (body mass index > 30) puncture of the subclavian vein and rotating and positioning of the patient in one step should be performed carefully.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Assay of neopterin in serum by means of two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography with automated column switching using three retention mechanisms.

An automated two-dimensional HPLC method for the determination of neopterin in serum is described. Neopterin is separated from proteins on a short octadecylsilica column by size exclusion and from the majority of the other serum components by adsorption. The fraction containing neopterin is transferred by column switching to a solvent-generated cation-exchange column using dodecylsulfonic acid as surface activator. Parameters influencing the separation performance and sensitivity of the fluorescence detection are discussed. The efficiency of the cleaning of the first column was optimized. The method was validated. It achieves a precision of 1% (R.S.D.) and a detection limit of about 0.3 nmol/l. The accuracy is nearly 100%. The method allows a high sample throughput, requiring 15 min per sample.

Automation↗
PubMed1995

Determination of true octanol-water partition coefficients by means of solvent generated liquid-liquid chromatography.

Compared to other methods for the determination of octanol-water partition coefficients chromatography offers a number of advantages: sample purification is unnecessary, the partition coefficients of the components of a mixture can be measured simultaneously and a minimum amount of sample is needed. In the past these determinations were almost exclusively carried out by liquid-solid chromatography (LSC) on alkyl bonded silica as stationary phase (conventionally described as 'reversed-phase liquid chromatography; RPLC). Such systems based on liquid-solid distribution are, however, a poor simulation of liquid-liquid partition. On the other hand liquid-liquid chromatographic columns loaded with high amounts of water-saturated octanol are unstable since they suffer from "column bleeding"--a loss of the stationary liquid octanol phase caused by erosion. It is shown that the technique of solvent generated liquid-liquid chromatography (SGLLC) leads to stable columns with liquid-liquid partition as the predominant retention mechanism, if systematic errors due to specific adsorption effects are avoided by the selection of an "inert" solid support. This is demonstrated by the comparison of LSC and SGLLC data. SGLLC significantly reduces the scattering of the retention data of calibration standards around the calibration line. The use of SGLLC thus significantly improves the accuracy and precision of the resulting octanol-water partition coefficients.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1995

Joint infections due to Listeria monocytogenes: case report and review.

Joint infections of bone are unusual manifestations of listerial infection. Fourteen cases of septic arthritis due to Listeria monocytogenes have been previously described in adults. We report the 15th case of septic arthritis due to Listeria in which bilateral prosthetic hips in a renal transplant patient were involved. In addition, we review the literature on listerial joint infections.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

[Multicenter experiences with the intracervical administration of a new PGE2 gel in labor induction].

With the participation of four Swiss obstetric clinics, medically indicated inductions of birth (with living fetuses) were performed using a new, stable PGE2 gel, and documented according to a uniform protocol. The study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of 0.5 mg of PGE2, in 2.5 ml of a vehicle (Triacetin) not yet commercially available, for local cervical maturation (n = 41). Thirty-nine patients selected by prospective randomization, in whom birth was induced conventionally, served as a control group. The efficiency of the prostaglandin gel alone or respectively with additional administration of oxytocin was evaluated on the basis of the clear changes in the cervical findings observed within 12 or respectively 24 hours, the spontaneous births, or, in the case of cesarean deliveries, according to the pelvic score. Application of PGE2 alone led to impressive changes of the cervix score and, in 34 of the 41 cases, to regular contractions after an average time of 87 minutes. After 12 hours, prior to administration of oxytocin, 43% of the patients were already delivered. The combination of locally applied PGE2 gel with conventional oxytocin induction significantly increases the number of successful inductions. The percentage of unsuccessfully attempted inductions was reduced to 24% in the PGE2 gel group as compared to 44% in the control group.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Are vaginal fluid concentrations of prolactin, alpha-fetoprotein and human placental lactogen useful for diagnosing ruptured membranes?

Vaginal fluid levels of prolactin (Prl), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human placental lactogen (hPL) were assayed to investigate their usefulness in the diagnosis of ruptured membranes. Fifty-two patients at term were divided into those with intact membranes, and those with ruptured membranes. In patients with intact membranes the concentration of all three substances was low with few exceptions. The mean vaginal concentrations of the three proteins were significantly higher in patients with ruptured membranes, but low values were also found in this group. It is concluded, that because of the overlap between the values, Prl, AFP and hPL measurements in vaginal fluid do not represent a useful advance in the assessment of rupture of the membranes.

Body Fluids↗
PubMed1979

Quantitation of the information content of multi-dimensional gas chromatography and low-resolution mass spectrometry in the identification of doping drugs.

On the basis of information theory, a comparison of the performance of the identification of compounds by multi-dimensional gas chromatography and binary-encoded low-resolution mass spectrometry is made for doping drugs. This group of compounds was not selected at random but according to their pharmocological effects. For these compounds it was observed that the m/e values of the peaks in the mass spectra are highly correlated, while a number of chromatographic columns can be found on which the retention data are only slightly correlated. As a result, the information content of two-dimensional gas chromatographic retention data on such columns equals the information content of binary-encoded low-resolution mass spectra. It is shown that the accuracy and precision of retention data in gas--liquid chromatography, and therefore the information content, can be significantly improved if the data are corrected for adsorption effects of the solid support and extrapolated to a limiting value in the case of asymmetric peaks.

Central Nervous System Stimulants↗
PubMed1979

[Determination of carbamate pesticides in fruits and vegetables by means of high pressure liquid chromatography (author's transl)].

It is shown that carbamate pesticides can be determined at the ppm level in different kinds of fruits and vegetables using high pressure liquid chromatography. The lower detection limit corresponding to a signal to noise ratio of three is between 0,025 and 0,25 ppm depending on the type of carbamate and plant material. In all cases it is below the maximum permissible value for pesticide residues. Due to the high separating power of high pressure liquid chromatography a simple sample pretreatment procedure can be used. The carbamates are extracted from the biological sample by dichloromethane and injected directly into the liquid chromatograph after replacing the extraction solvent by the mobile phase. In many cases a definite identification and quantitation of the carbamate is possible with a single chromatographic column. Some plants with a more complex matrix require a two-column operation in which the effluent fraction of the first column containing the pesticide is transferred by column switching to a second column in order to achieve a complete separation. The improved resolution in the two-column operation is caused by the relative enrichment effect of the fractionation and the increased column length.

Carbamates↗
PubMed1978

[Quality of life and the subjective well-being after successful kidney transplantations].

The quality of life following kidney transplantation is examined. For this reason a total of 38 patients were questioned. There were three subgroups: 18 adults and 10 children with excellent kidney function and 10 patients in whom nephrectomy had to be performed after rejection of the transplanted organ. The extent and importance of the changes of various criteria considered essential for judgement of the quality of life are illustrated. Adults and children alike consider the improvement of drinking and eating habits, improvement of physical fitness and of the capability to deal with psychological problems as the essence of their greater joy in life. For children there are added advantages at school and in the choice of their occupational activity. In conclusion there is a definite improvement of the quality of life following renal transplantation.

Adult↗