Femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: achievements and remaining problems.
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Journal Article↗
Biomedical subjects
J Koch
Publications and source records attributed to J Koch.
Deficiency of mitochondrial ATP synthase of nuclear genetic origin.
We present clinical and laboratory data from 14 cases with an isolated deficiency of the mitochondrial ATP synthase (7-30% of control) caused by nuclear genetic defects. A quantitative decrease of the ATP synthase complex was documented by Blue-Native electrophoresis and Western blotting and was supported by the diminished activity of oligomycin/aurovertin-sensitive ATP hydrolysis in fibroblasts (10 cases), muscle (6 of 7 cases), and liver (one case). All patients had neonatal onset and elevated plasma lactate levels. In 12 patients investigated 3-methyl-glutaconic aciduria was detected. Seven patients died, mostly within the first weeks of life and surviving patients showed psychomotor and various degrees of mental retardation. Eleven patients had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; other clinical signs included hypotonia, hepatomegaly, facial dysmorphism and microcephaly. This phenotype markedly differs from the severe central nervous system changes of ATP synthase disorders caused by mitochondrial DNA mutations of the ATP6 gene presenting mostly as NARP and MILS.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
Comparison of two acrylic intraocular lenses with different haptic designs in patients with combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy.
PURPOSE: The intra- and postoperative characteristics of two foldable single-piece intraocular lenses (IOL) with identical hydrophilic acrylic material, but different haptic designs (Akreos Adapt and Akreos Fit), were compared in combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized study in patients with simultaneous cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. Group A (n=47 patients) included implantation of Akreos Fit IOL (two-point haptic) and group B (n=46 patients) implantation of Akreos Adapt IOL (four-point haptic). All intraoperative modifications of small-incision phacoemulsification and three-port PPV and IOL implantation and centration were documented. At 1 and 2 days and 6 months after surgery, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp appearance (including inflammation, IOL centration, capsulorhexis diameter, posterior capsule opacification (PCO), tonometry, and fundus findings were evaluated. RESULTS: The groups did not differ with respect to age, surgical indications and modifications, intraoperative IOL handling, and centration. At day 2, inflammation and capsulorhexis diameters were similar, but IOL decentration was slightly more frequent with Akreos-Fit IOLs. Six months after surgery, the rates of PCO, posterior synechiae, and BCVA were similar. Akreos-Fit had slightly smaller capsulorhexis diameters and slightly more capsular contraction and IOL decentration (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both of the Akreos IOL are feasible for combined phacoemulsification and PPV. Although similar in intraoperative handling, BCVA, and PCO, IOL centration was slightly better with Akreos-Adapt than with Akreos-Fit after combined surgery.
Aged↗
A new Puumala hantavirus subtype in rodents associated with an outbreak of Nephropathia epidemica in South-East Germany in 2004.
A micro-epidemic of hantavirus infections occurred in Lower Bavaria, South-East Germany, starting in April 2004. While only three cases were registered from 2001 to 2003, a dramatically increased number of clinically apparent human hantavirus infections (n=38) was observed in 2004, plus seven additional cases by June 2005. To determine the reservoir responsible for the infections, a total of 43 rodents were trapped in Lower Bavaria. Serological and genetic investigations revealed that Puumala virus (PUUV) is dominant in the local population of bank voles. Partial PUUV S segment nucleotide sequences originating from bank voles at four different trapping sites in Lower Bavaria showed a low divergence (up to 3.1%). This is contrasted by a nucleotide sequence divergence of 14-16% to PUUV strains detected in Belgium, France, Slovakia or North-Western Germany. PUUV sequences from bank voles in Lower Bavaria represent a new PUUV subtype which seems to be responsible for the observed increase of human hantavirus infections in 2004-2005.
Animals↗
The macromolecular peptide-loading complex in MHC class I-dependent antigen presentation.
A challenging task for the adaptive immune system of vertebrates is to identify and eliminate intracellular antigens. Therefore a highly specialized antigen presentation machinery has evolved to display fragments of newly synthesized proteins to effector cells of the immune system at the cell surface. After proteasomal degradation of unwanted proteins or defective ribosome products, resulting peptides are translocated into the endoplasmic reticulum by the transporter associated with antigen processing and loaded onto major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Peptide-MHC I complexes are transported via the secretory pathway to the cell surface where they are then inspected by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which can trigger an immune response. This review summarizes the current view of the intracellular machinery of antigen processing and of viral immune escape mechanisms to circumvent destruction by the host.
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
[Surveillance of infectious foodborne diseases after enactment of the German Protection against Infection Act in 2001. Potentials and requirements].
The epidemiology of infectious foodborne diseases has changed. Outbreaks more frequently occur geographically dispersed or protractedly over longer periods of time, and they often appear as a scatter of seemingly sporadic cases. This hampers and delays the identification of their epidemiological link. The surveillance of infectious foodborne diseases has to be refined accordingly to be able to detect these diffuse outbreaks. The German Protection against Infection Act, enacted in 2001, offers the potential of increased sensitivity due to timely electronic reporting of individual cases and detailed data accompanying each report. In addition to a timely and comprehensive reporting system, subtyping of pathogens has become an invaluable tool in identifying epidemiologically linked cases, i.e. outbreaks. Still, the sensitivity of foodborne disease surveillance still hinges on the willingness of physicians to order stool testing for enteric pathogens (and to report suspected outbreaks to local health departments). Without the active participation of physicians, the chance of detecting outbreaks and successfully investigating them is markedly reduced. Consequently, the general preventive strategy would be jeopardised, namely to understand the (often new) mechanisms by which contamination and disease transmission occur well enough to interrupt them.
Communicable Disease Control↗
[Norovirus infections in Germany].
Noroviruses are responsible for the majority of acute viral gastroenteritis infections worldwide. Transmission may be faecal-oral or through contaminated food and water or airborne by virus-containing aerosols. Characteristics of noroviruses that facilitate their spread are their high concentration in stool and vomitus, their extreme environmental stability, their low infectious dose as well as the lack of long-lasting immunity. The majority of norovirus infections occur in large outbreaks among persons living in institutional settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes, although sporadic cases also occur. Children and elderly persons are most often affected. Illness is characterized by acute onset of projectile vomiting. For prevention and control of norovirus outbreaks strict control management is necessary. Based on the high genomic variability new variant noroviruses with different pathogenic factors can arise. Depending on the circulating variant the extent of the usual winter peak can vary enormously. Available diagnostic methods include RT-PCR assays for detection of viral RNA, electron microscopy and enzyme immunoassays (EIA) for detection of viral antigens. The implicated virus can be subtyped through nucleotide sequencing and linked to a specific outbreak. With the enactment of the Protection against Infection Act in January 2001 a mandatory reporting system of norovirus infections was established. Analysis of surveillance data from this system permits a detailed overview of the nationwide epidemiology of this disease in Germany.
Caliciviridae Infections↗
Acute flaccid paralysis as initial symptom in 4 patients with novel E1alpha mutations of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.
We report on 4 boys from 3 families presenting initially in infancy with an acute onset of flaccid tetraparesis and areflexia, resembling Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein was normal, while serum and CSF lactate were elevated. All patients had recurrent similar episodes, usually associated with infections. Brain MRI showed T (2) hyperintensities in the basal ganglia in two boys, in one of them at the first clinical presentation; the other one had a normal brain MRI during the first episode. A third boy had a normal MRI twice but an increased lactate peak in the basal ganglia in (1)H-MR spectroscopy. Motor nerve conduction velocities (NCV) were normal in all patients. Biochemical analyses of muscle tissue, performed in two patients, revealed a deficiency of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Molecular genetic analysis of the X-chromosomal E1alpha subunit of PDH showed three new mutations in phylogenetically conserved areas of the protein: Glu358Lys in patient 1; Arg88Lys in patient 2 and 3 (brothers); and Leu216Ser in patient 4. In conclusion, children with "atypical GBS" should be evaluated for a mitochondrial disorder, including pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, even after a first episode.
Adolescent↗
Serum fructosamine concentrations in 59 dogs naturally Infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum.
Retrospectively, 89 cases of dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum were examined. Fifty-nine of these 89 dogs fulfilled the criteria of not being dually infected with Crenosoma vulpis as well as having a full biochemistry profile including serum fructosamine available. The mean serum fructosamine value of the 59 dogs was 236 micromol/l (reference value 258-348 micromol/l) and significantly lower than the serum fructosamine level of 314 micromol/l in a control group of 42 clinically healthy dogs. Eleven dogs were available for follow up after successful treatment of angiostrongylosis. In this group, the serum fructosamine value rose from a mean of 244 micromol/l to a mean of 320 micromol/l following treatment. Serum glucose, albumin and protein were all within the respective reference ranges at all sampling points. The results indicate that serum fructosamine could be affected by infection with A. vasorum. Furthermore, this change cannot be explained by measurable changes in the level of glucose, albumin or protein. The clinical impact of this study is that a low fructosamine value may indicate infection with A. vasorum thereby suggesting a Baermann test to be performed.
Angiostrongylus↗
Significant increase of listeriosis in Germany--epidemiological patterns 2001-2005.
Listeriosis has been a mandatorily notifiable disease in Germany since January 2001. Clinical cases with isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from sterile specimens or neonates are reported to the Robert Koch-Institut. Listeriosis incidence significantly increased from 0.26 per 100 000 inhabitants (217 cases) in 2001 to 0.62 per 100 000 (519 cases) in 2005. The increase only occurred among non pregnancy-associated cases and was mainly due to a rise in cases in the age group > or =60 years. The highest incidences were observed in neonates and adults > or =70 years. Male cases predominated, except for cases occurring in adults of child-bearing age. The overall case fatality rate was 9%. No temporal or spatial clusters of cases were observed and no outbreaks with a common source vehicle were identified. In 46% of the cases malignancies were reported as predisposing factor. Reasons for the increase of listeriosis in Germany remain unclear. The newly implemented surveillance system, and raised diagnostic awareness, cannot explain the particularly high increase in incidence from 2004 to 2005. Increased contamination of common foodstuffs or changes in underlying medical conditions or treatment options may have contributed to the increase. A project for enhanced listeriosis surveillance was begun in 2005 to obtain more detailed information about the clinical course, underlying conditions, medical treatment, knowledge about listeriosis and possible food risk factors from all newly diagnosed cases. For better outbreak detection, a nationwide system for molecular subtyping of listeria strains from humans and food is necessary. Recommendations for prevention should be extended to all risk groups with predisposing conditions
Adult↗
Treatment of 10 dogs with discospondylitis by fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous discectomy.
Ten dogs suffering from discospondylitis were treated by percutaneous discectomy and local and systemic antibiotic therapy. With fluoroscopic guidance, a cylinder 5 mm in diameter was removed from the centre of the intervertebral space, yielding a fenestration and decompressing the disc without producing any spinal instability. The causative bacteria were identified in nine of the 10 biopsy specimens, but in only three urine cultures and four blood cultures. In two cases, the antibiotics used initially had to be changed owing to the organisms' antibiotic resistance. The clinical signs of the dogs improved markedly after two to nine days (mean 4.2 days) and had resolved completely after five to 14 days (mean 9.1 days). In all the cases the disease could be classified histologically as either acute or chronic, and the disease was classified as chronic in one dog. No side effects were observed.
Animals↗
Molecular epidemiology of Salmonella enterica serovar Agona: characterization of a diffuse outbreak caused by aniseed-fennel-caraway infusion.
During 2002-2003 increased numbers of notified salmonellosis due to S. enterica serovar Agona were observed in Germany. In order to understand the recent spread of this serovar and to trace the route of infection to its source, a new phage-typing scheme and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were used to analyse these isolates. By using 14 bacteriophages, 52 phage types were distinguished among the S. Agona strains. PFGE also differentiated 52 different patterns. A combination of both methods generated 94 clonal types among 165 S. Agona strains originating from Germany and other countries including the United States, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, India, Austria and Finland, indicating a great biological diversity within this serovar. However, 36 recent S. Agona isolates from infantile gastroenteritis in Germany, from an untreated batch of aniseed imported from Turkey and from fennel-aniseed-caraway infusion (packed in tea bags) revealed clonal identity indicating their epidemiological relatedness as a new source of infection. It is suggested that strains of S. Agona will continue to be of public health concern, and that phage typing together with PFGE typing should be applied as reliable and rapid tools for epidemiological subtyping and future monitoring.
Apiaceae↗
Complete situs inversus in a two-year-old standardbred horse.
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Animals↗
Laparoscopic needle catheter jejunostomy: modification of the technique and outcome results.
BACKGROUND: We describe a modification of the technique for laparoscopic jejunostomy in patients with stenosis of the upper gastrointestinal tract and assess the patients outcomes with this enteral access. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 80 patients, we evaluated the outcome of a modified technique for the laparoscopic placement of a jejunostomy catheter into the proximal jejunum. Standard laparoscopy equipment and ready-to-use jejunostomy catheters were used. After the creation of a pneumoperitoneum, the proximal jejunal loop was fixed to the parietal peritoneum. The jejunum was then punctured with a split needle, and the catheter (9F) was pushed into the jejunum. Finally, the catheter was secured with an additional purse-string suture. The external fixation was performed with nonabsorbable sutures. Enteral nutritional support with a polymeric enteral diet was initiated after fluoroscopic control on the first postoperative day at a rate of 20 ml/h. The flow rate was increased progressively until the nutritional goal of 60-80 ml/h was reached on the 3rd or 4th postoperative day. RESULTS: In all patients (n = 80), the placement site of the catheter was correct, and all patients were able to receive enteral nutrition on the 1st postoperative day. There were no intraoperative complications. The mean operating time was 51 min. Two patients developed a localized infection at the catheter site; one patient developed an abscess; and three patients had catheter obstructions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in need of intermediate or long-term enteral nutrition may benefit from laparoscopic catheter jejunostomy. The technique described is safe, effective, and less invasive than alternative techniques of laparoscopic jejunostomy.
Aged↗
[Prevalence of hantavirus infections in Germany].
Hantaviruses belong to the group of "emerging" viruses. Pathogenic European hantaviruses can cause a human disease designated "hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome" of varying severity. In general, diagnostics of hantavirus infections are based on immunofluorescence assays using virus-infected cells or enzyme immunoassays and Western blot tests using recombinant nucleocapsid proteins. For highly sensitive detection of hantavirus-specific antibodies in the enzyme immunoassay, a homologous hantavirus nucleocapsid protein is needed as a diagnostic antigen. Serological typing of hantavirus infections can be obtained by neutralization assays, which in certain cases require the use of late convalescent sera. The seroprevalence in the normal German population is about 1%. In professionally exposed risk groups, e. g., forest workers, a seroprevalence higher than that in the normal population was observed. Endemic regions for hantavirus infections are located mainly in Baden-Württemberg. In the years 2001-2003 an annual number of about 200 clinically apparent hantavirus infections were registered in Germany. Neutralization assays detected almost exclusively human infections caused by Puumala and Dobrava viruses, only very rarely by Tula virus. Until this day in Germany mainly mild to moderate courses of human hantavirus infections have been documented. Besides infections caused by "German" hantaviruses, up to 10% of the clinically apparent hantavirus infections registered annually in Germany are caused by infections imported from other countries, mainly from Europe. So far only very limited molecular genetic data about the circulating hantaviruses in Germany are available. Additional investigations are needed to get a more precise picture about the distribution of hantaviruses in Germany and to calculate the resulting risk for the human population.
Communicable Disease Control↗
Element selective detection of molecular species applying chromatographic techniques and diode laser atomic absorption spectrometry.
Tunable diode laser atomic absorption spectroscopy (DLAAS) combined with separation techniques and atomization in plasmas and flames is presented as a powerful method for analysis of molecular species. The analytical figures of merit of the technique are demonstrated by the measurement of Cr(VI) and Mn compounds, as well as molecular species including halogen atoms, hydrogen, carbon and sulfur.
Chlorine↗
Update-surveillance of health care workers exposed to blood, body fluids and bloodborne pathogens in Canadian hospital settings: 1 April, 2000, to 31 March, 2002.
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Blood-Borne Pathogens↗
[Facial clefts and their coding with LAHS nomenclature].
Research and treatment of clefts of lip, alveolus, and palate requires exact, reliable and reproducible terminology and documentation. In this paper we suggest a simple system to record a detailed diagnosis for every case of cleft. All anatomical regions involved by the cleft are considered and the extent in these regions is described. This nomenclature has been proposed for usage by the Interdisciplinary Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies Committee of the German Associations for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Phoniatrics, Pedaudiology and ENT.
Cleft Lip↗