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Biomedical subjects

J Müller

Publications and source records attributed to J Müller.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[The significance of Candida serology based on cell wall antigens].

The article reviews the state of the art in detecting anti-Candida antibodies directed against cell wall mannans. Experience in this field was collected over more than four decades. The mannan antigens of Candida spp. are well characterized serologically and biochemically. Candida mannans are immunogenically potent antigens to which the host's immune system reacts regularly. The human host is not immunologically naïve towards Candida albicans. Clinical and laboratory evaluation of methodologies detecting anti-Candida antibodies must essentially regard the pathogenetic particularities of candidaemia and candidosis with their opportunistic characters.

Antibodies, Fungal↗

[Editorial. ].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Mycoses↗

Craniocervical dystonia questionnaire (CDQ-24): development and validation of a disease-specific quality of life instrument.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test a questionnaire for measuring quality of life in patients with craniocervical dystonia. METHODS: A 29-item pool was developed based on semi-structured interviews of patients with cervical dystonia (CD) and blepharospasm (BSP). This preliminary questionnaire was administered to 203 consecutive patients with CD and BSP from Austrian dystonia and botulinum toxin outpatient clinics. For scale generation, a combination of exploratory factor and cluster analysis was applied. This resulted in the 24-item version of the instrument (CDQ-24) based on five subscales: Stigma, Emotional wellbeing, Pain, Activities of daily living, and Social/family life. The validity and reliability of the CDQ-24 was assessed in 231 consecutive patients with CD and BSP different from those examined with the preliminary questionnaire. This second survey included the CDQ-24, a generic QoL instrument (SF-36) and clinical rating scales. Sensitivity to change was analysed in 51 previously untreated (de novo) patients four weeks and one year following the first botulinum toxin treatment. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliability was satisfactory for all subscales, with values of Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.77 to 0.89. The CDQ-24 subscales showed moderate to high correlations with those SF-36 subscales measuring similar aspects (Pearson's correlation r = 0.50-0.73; p<0.001, each). Sensitivity to change was confirmed by highly significant improvements of all CDQ-24 subscores in the de novo patients from baseline to four week follow up. One year follow up data revealed a stable improvement. CONCLUSION: The CDQ-24 is the first fully validated and disease specific questionnaire to evaluate quality of life of patients with cervical dystonia and blepharospasm and we propose its use in clinical trials as well as in daily clinical practice.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Multicenter study of radiosynoviorthesis. Clinical outcome in osteoarthritis and other disorders with concomitant synovitis in comparison with rheumatoid arthritis].

AIM: Evaluation of the effectiveness of radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) in osteoarthritis and other disorders with concomitant synovitis versus rheumatoid arthritis by means of a standardized questionnaire. PATIENTS, METHODS: 803 RSO treatments were monitored in 691 patients by standardized questionnaires of 7 centers in 3 countries. Patients were assigned to 3 groups according to their age (20-40, 41-60, 61-80 years). Additionally, the data were analyzed separately for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (group A) and those with osteoarthritis, psoriasis arthritis, pigmental villonodular synovitis or persistent effusions after joint replacement (group B). RESULTS: Ameliorations of joint pain, swelling/effusion or flexibility were found in 80% of group A and 56% of group B (p >0.01). Quality of life improved in 78% of group A and 59% of group B (p >0.01). The response rate was similar for small- and large-sized joints in group A, but significantly higher for large-sized joints in group B (p >0.01). The positive effects on joint pain, swelling/effusion or flexibility lasted longer in group A (p >0.01). Repeated RSOs were as effective as initial ones. The clinical outcome was neither influenced by age, nor gender, nor transient immobilisation for 48 hours after RSO. CONCLUSION: Although slightly more efficient in rheumatoid arthritis, RSO represents an effective treatment option also in osteoarthritis and other disorders with concomitant synovitis.

Adult↗

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma during pregnancy with successful autologous stem cell transplantation.

We report a 35-year-old pregnant woman with progressive subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL). During pregnancy chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) stabilized the disease for 4 months before new manifestations appeared. After delivery of a healthy girl, myeloablative radiochemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation could be performed leading to complete remission.

Adult↗

Evidence for a graft-versus-tumor effect in refractory ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: A 31-year-old woman suffered a 4th relapse of epithelial ovarian cancer refractory to several cytotoxic drugs including platinum, paclitaxel, and topotecan. METHODS: Sequential high-dose chemotherapy with autografting (three courses) led to a minor response of short duration. In order to induce a graft-versus-tumor effect, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from an HLA-identical sibling donor, after dose-reduced conditioning, was performed in January 2001. RESULTS: On day +51 the patient developed acute grade II graft-versus-host disease of the skin and gastrointestinal tract, which was successfully treated by prednisolone. Six months after allogeneic HSCT a complete disappearance of the tumor could be seen. Unfortunately, 14 months later a 5th relapse was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates, on the one hand, that allogeneic HSCT is able to induce complete remissions (CR) in chemoresistant ovarian cancer. On the other hand, despite achievement of CR after allografting, the chance of cure remains limited for these patients.

Adult↗

[Fat embolism during total hip arthroplasty. Cementless versus cemented--a quantitative in vivo comparison in an animal model].

Thrombembolic complications,which include the fat embolism syndrome, are well-known consequences of cementless and cemented femoral total hip replacement. Thrombembolic phenomena have been demonstrated in clinical and experimental situations with both these fixation techniques, but so far no exact quantification of the intravasated fat emboli has been performed. In a standardized animal model in 15 Merino sheep we investigated the intravasation of fat into the bloodstream during simultaneous bilateral prosthetic implantation (cemented versus cementless). After identical preparation of the intramedullary canal on both sides, a cement restrictor was additionally inserted on the cemented side and the canal was cleaned by 250 ml jet lavage. Catheters in the external iliac veins made it possible to collect the drained blood in two phases, after preparation of the intramedullary canal and during insertion of the prosthesis, and the fat content of these blood samples was measured. The amount of fat that passed into the venous draining system of the femur induced by cemented implantation (2.2749 g; S=+/-1.0079) was twice the amount seen with cementless implantation (1.1586 g; S=+/-0.4555) ( P=0.0002). An obvious effect of the canal preparation was recognizable with the cemented implantation, 8 of the 13 animals evaluated showing a peak in the fat intravasation caused by application of the cement restrictor. Our results emphasize the importance of a thorough preparation of the intramedullary canal, particularly when cemented fixation is performed. The jet lavage,which should be considered mandatory standard in cemented total hip arthroplasty, should be implemented before the insertion of the cement restrictor in order to further reduce the risk of fat embolism.

Animals↗

[Gangliocytic paraganglioma of the ampulla of Vater].

A case of a bleeding duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma (GPG) of the Papilla Vateri is reported. The 47 year old patient was treated successfully by partial pancreaticoduodenectomy. Histologically the GPG is characterized by three types of cells: epitheloid cells, ganglion-like cells and spindle cells. So far 81 cases are reported in the literature. Most cases of GPGs are benign, metastasis or recurrence is possible. This case showed an infiltrative growth pattern indicating the true neoplastic nature of this tumor.

Ampulla of Vater↗

[Long term results after cochlear implantation in elderly patients].

BACKGROUND: Cochlear implantation has become the method of choice for the treatment of deaf patients. A better technology of stimulation opened a wider field of patients suitable for cochlear implantation. Aim of the present study was to evaluate to which extent senior patients benefit by cochlear implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 36 patients between 65 and 85 years were tested by the Freiburger speech test for monosyllabic words and by the HSM sentence test with and without noise. The results were compared to those of younger implanted patients (16 - 64 years, n = 101). RESULTS: The speech perception for monosyllabic words did not differ significantly between both groups. A maximum plateau in speech perception for monosyllabic words was reached after 2 years at 55 %. The HSM sentence test revealed significant differences in the increase of speech perception between senior and younger patients in the first post surgical year. After one year elderly patients reached the same perception score as younger patients with a maximum of approximately 80 % after 3 years. At a signal to noise ratio of 15 % younger patients achieved a maximal perception of 55 % after 1 year whereas senior patients needed 4 years to reach this level. CONCLUSIONS: Senior patients benefited by cochlear implantation to the same extent as younger patients did. Senior patients gained a similar speech perception level as younger implanted patients although the elderly needed more time to reach the same scores. Nevertheless, cochlear implantation should not be denied due to age alone.

Aged↗

[A guideline for guidelines--methodological report and use of the guideline women's information].

UNLABELLED: Information and education is needed to empower autonomy and self-determination of patients (informed consent). Furthermore reliable and accurate medical information is necessary for patients who want to take an active part in medical decision-making. The aim of this work is to define the requirements helping to assure the development of good qualified information material relevant for women and female patients as "a guideline on women information". An example of its use is given by embeding this guideline in the guideline for early detection of breast cancer in Germany by defining the specific elements required for developing qualified information on this issue for women. METHODS: A systematic, stepwise methodological process according to a level two guideline of the German Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) and the Agency for Quality in Medicine (AZQ) was performed with the following elements: 1. Establishing an expert panel, 2. Generating the guideline statements by a formal, consensus based nominal group process, 3. External review process and finding supportive partners for the guideline on women information, 4. Using the guideline for guidelines: implementing the concept in the guideline of early detection of breast cancer in Germany. RESULTS: The "guideline women information" comprises nine elements of quality assuring requirements for the development of gender-specific information material and eleven specific elements which directly relate to the guideline statements on early detection of breast cancer. After external review 30 organisations gave their written support for future implementation of the guideline. The "guideline women information" was integrated as a tool for quality assurance of lay information into the "guideline for early detection of breast cancer in Germany". CONCLUSION: The "guideline women information" is a systematically developed, consensus-based recommendation to improve the development of qualified lay information at the point of its process by defining gender-specific aspects required for good lay information and its evaluation. As a guideline for guidelines its use is demonstrated by integrating this guideline into the "guideline for early detection of breast cancer in Germany" to ensure the development of qualified guideline compliant information.

Breast Neoplasms↗

[Comparison of premedication with clonidine and midazolam combined with TCI for orthopaedic shoulder surgery].

OBJECTIVE: The most frequently used drugs for premedication are benzodiazepines and alpha (2)-adrenoceptor agonists. In this study we examined midazolam and clonidine for premedication in combination with target controlled infusion anaesthesia (TCI) in patients undergoing orthopaedic shoulder surgery and analysed the effects on the peri- and postoperative course. METHODS: Forty-five Patients (ASA I-III) were included in this prospective randomized, double blind study. Sixty minutes prior to anaesthetic induction the patients received clonidine in a dosage of 2 microg x kg(-1) (group ND) or 5 microg x kg(-1) (group HD) or 0.1 mg x kg(-1) midazolam (group midazolam) per orally. Anaesthesia was performed as TCI with propofol (plasma concentration 2.0-4.0 microg x ml(-1)) und remifentanil (plasma concentration 0.2-0.4 microg x ml(-1) x min(-1)). 15 minutes before the operation was finished, all patients received a bolus dose of 0.1 mg x kg(-1) piritramid i.v., followed by administration of piritramid via a PCA pump (patient controlled analgesia) for a duration of 24 hours. During the time of the operation the influence of premedication on the anaesthetic course was determined by vital parameters and ranking scales. For statistic evaluation we used the Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA with Tukey as post hoc test and the test named after Fisher (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The effects of premedication on haemodynamic parameters and ranking scales for sedation as well as anaesthetic requirements were comparable in all three groups. In the postoperative period the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (ND: n = 8, HD: n = 2, midazolam: n = 6) and the use of pritramid were lower in the clonidine HD group (HD: 38.7 +/- 30.7 mg, ND: 51.7 +/- 25.1 mg, midazolam: 45.1 +/- 30.4 mg) than in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine is as good as with benzodiazepines in combination with TCI. Because of the lower incidence of PONV and the need of piritramid in the postoperative period patients premedicated with 5 microg x kg(-1) clonidine may benefit from this premedication.

Adolescent↗

[Cochlea implantation: results and costs, a review].

The cochlear implantation, especially after bilateral operation provides a reliable and outstanding compensation in bilateral complete deafness or severe hearing impairment. Directional hearing can be restored with bilateral implantation so that warning signals are localized correctly and speech in noise is easier understood. Thus, rehabilitation is restored to a high degree. The involved expenses are severe, but are lower for the society when compared to the amount of money necessary to substitute a completely deaf patient lifelong.

Adolescent↗

Serum thyroglobulin as a marker of thyroid neoplasms after childhood cancer.

AIM: To evaluate serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level as a marker of the development of thyroid disease when following individuals who received neck irradiation therapy in childhood. METHODS: In a non-randomized cross-sectional study Tg was assessed in 172 survivors of childhood cancer 10.8 y (1.9-24) median (range) after diagnosis and 7.9 y (0.9-24.3) median (range) after the end of treatment. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 included 47 patients who had received irradiation to the neck and group 2 included 125 patients who did not receive irradiation to the neck. RESULTS: Patients who had received irradiation to the neck had significantly higher Tg levels compared with those who did not receive neck irradiation: median 14.0 (1.0-189.0) microg/L vs median 8.8, (0.7-112.2) microg/L (p < 0.001). Six out of seven patients with elevated Tg levels (>70 microg/L) had received neck irradiation. Among these six patients, two patients developed secondary differentiated thyroid cancer and two patients developed benign thyroid neoplasms. None of the patients who had normal levels of Tg developed thyroid cancer. CONCLUSION: A high Tg level should be a cause for further investigation in the follow-up of individuals who have received irradiation therapy in childhood.

Acute Disease↗

In-situ biodegradation of tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene in contaminated aquifers monitored by stable isotope fractionation.

Stable carbon isotope analysis of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) was applied to evaluatenatural attenuation processes in the upper Quaternary and lower Tertiary aquifer in the area of a former dry-cleaning plant located in Leipzig, Germany. Groundwater samples were taken during one monitoring campaign in 2001. The 13C enrichment in contaminants along the water flow path suggested that both, PCE and TCE were degraded in the Quaternary aquifer. The enrichment of 13C in the residual PCE fraction and an isotope fractionation factor from laboratory experiments were used to calculate the extent of biodegradation in the Quatemary aquifer. These calculations indicated that a major portion of PCE was biodegraded in the course of the plume. In the Tertiary aquifer the carbon isotope ratios of PCE and TCE indicated that the decreasing concentrations of these contaminants were probably not caused by microbial processes.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Diminished ovarian reserve in female childhood cancer survivors with regular menstrual cycles and basal FSH <10 IU/l.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 70% of children treated for cancer are cured, however the treatment often impairs reproductive function. The aim of the present study was to assess ovarian reserve in women with an apparently normal ovarian function, who were cured of cancer in childhood. METHODS: Twenty-one female survivors with regular menstrual cycles and basal FSH <10 IU/l were included. The control group included 21 healthy age-matched regularly cycling women. On cycle day 2-5, ovarian volume and number of small antral follicles (2-5 mm) were evaluated with transvaginal ultrasonography. Repeated sonography, urinary LH testing, and endocrine assessments were performed during the actual cycle. Cycle length was calculated. RESULTS: The female survivors had significantly smaller volume per ovary (4.9 versus 6.8 cm(3); P < 0.01), a lower number of small antral follicles per ovary (4.5 versus 8.0; P < 0.01), and lower total number of follicles per ovary (8 versus 11, P < 0.01). Hormonal profiles were similar, but the mean cycle length of the female survivors was significantly shorter than in the control group (28.3 versus 31.0 days; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood cancer survivors with regular menstrual cycles and basal FSH <10 IU/l seem to have a diminished ovarian reserve. Consequently, they may have a shortened reproductive span and an early menopause.

Adolescent↗

Density and distribution of primordial follicles in single pieces of cortex from 21 patients and in individual pieces of cortex from three entire human ovaries.

BACKGROUND: At the time of cryopreservation of ovarian tissue for fertility preservation a small biopsy of ovarian cortex is usually taken for histological evaluation of the follicular reserve. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution and density of primordial follicles in single pieces of cortex from individual patients and in pieces of cortex comprising entire ovaries, all prepared for cryopreservation. METHODS: Cortical biopsies from 21 patients and the whole cortex of one ovary were evaluated histologically prior to cryopreservation. In addition, the cortex of two whole ovaries was cryopreserved before histological evaluation. The volume of each cortical fragment was measured, all follicles counted and the follicular density calculated. RESULTS: In individual pieces of cortex follicular density showed a significant inverse linear correlation with age. The follicular density per cortical fragment prepared from each of the three entire ovaries varied from 1.8 to 166, 0.007 to 140 and 0.04 to 4.48 follicles/mm(3) cortical tissue. CONCLUSION: The density of primordial follicles varied more than two orders of magnitude in cortical fragments from each of the three ovaries. Primordial follicles were very unevenly distributed throughout the cortex of these ovaries, although a significant linear correlation between age and follicular density was found.

Adolescent↗

Erroneous genetic sex determination of a newborn twin girl due to chimerism caused by foetal blood transfusion. A case report.

OBJECTIVE: We present a case of erroneous sex determination in a newborn twin girl (twin A) due to chimerism. CASE REPORT: Amniocentesis and ultrasound examination had pointed towards male sex of both twins. At birth, twin A presented as a phenotypically normal female with 46,XY karyotype, and 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis was suspected. Twin B was a normal male. RESULTS: In our department, further examinations of twin A included undetectable testosterone and inhibin-B and elevated FSH. Ultrasound suspected an infantile uterus, and sequencing of the SRY gene was normal. After gonadectomy, a 46,XX karyotype was demonstrated in both normal infantile ovaries and in the fibroblasts from a skin biopsy. Analysis of X-linked markers in DNA from blood lymphocytes in both twins was identical, consistent with 46,XY karyotypes. CONCLUSION: Twin A is a 46,XX female with a chimeric 46,XY blood cell line due to intrauterine transfusion from her twin brother.

Blood Cells↗