Since 1987 we have performed more than 300 otoplasties using a combined technique, i.e., furrowing the cartilage retroauricularly with the dermabrasion tool with a spherical metal head, followed by vertical mattress sutures. To undertake a retrospective study (subjective results), we sent a questionnaire to 267 patients (100%) who underwent surgery a minimum of one year prior (average 2.53 years). One hundred sixty-seven forms were returned (63%) and the case sheets of these patients were collected. To objectify the results, 102 patients (38.6%) were drafted and 38 (14.3%) could be controlled. By reviewing the literature, where only a few long-term surveys could be found, an analysis of long-term results was performed. Both the subjective findings and the objective results showed a successful operative outcome and proved that by using this combined technique a far better result can be obtained than with most other techniques.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Subthreshold depression in the elderly: qualitative or quantitative distinction?

Recent studies revealed that subthreshold depression (or "subclinical" or "subsyndromal" depression) can have clinical validity because it is related to dysfunction and disability and is a risk factor for major depression. However, none of these studies focused on old age. Therefore, one aim of the psychiatric part of the multidisciplinary Berlin Aging Study (BASE) was also to detect milder forms of psychopathological syndromes, especially subthreshold depression, compared with specified forms such as major depression and dysthymia according to the DSM-III-R. The present evaluation shows that subthreshold depression can be characterized in 2 ways: firstly, as a quantitatively minor variant of depression or a depression-like state with fewer symptoms or with less continuity; and secondly, as qualitatively different from major depression with fewer suicidal thoughts or feelings of guilt or worthlessness, while worries about health and weariness of living occur with a similar frequency.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Using the Vista 350 telephone to communicate the results of home monitoring of diabetes mellitus to a central database and to provide feedback.

PURPOSE: Self-monitoring of blood glucose has become routine practice in the management of diabetes mellitus. When all the data is complete, however, the amount of information to be taken into account when making therapeutic decisions becomes overwhelming not only for the patient but for the healthcare provider. Computers excel at processing large amounts of information quickly and impassively, which makes them potentially helpful for collating and communicating the data in a manner that facilitates decision-making by patient and healthcare provider. This should in turn improve control and help prevent acute and chronic complications. METHOD: Using the Vista 350 telephone, we have developed a system that enables patients with diabetes to record home monitoring data to a central database and receive feedback summaries. A small trial was conducted to determine if the Vista 350 telephone is an acceptable and feasible method to communicate the results of home monitoring of diabetes mellitus to a central database and receive feedback summaries. A total of 35 volunteers with insulin-requiring diabetes mellitus in the London area were randomly allocated to either use the Vista 350 phone for 6 months, or to a control group that continued to use traditional methods for recording home monitoring data. RESULTS: 33 of the 35 patients enrolled completed the trial. All 16 patients who began using the phone continued to do so for 6 months confirming the feasibility of the system. Questionnaires completed at 3 and 6 months confirmed the Vista 350 telephone system to be acceptable to the subjects. The results will enable some minor modifications to be made to the telephone system before a larger definitive trial, designed to determine the effect on diabetes control, is conducted later this year.

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of cyanine-labeled somatostatin analogues as receptor-targeted fluorescent probes.

We present the synthesis and characterization of the somatostatin receptor-specific peptide H(2)N-(D-Phe)-cyclo[Cys-Phe-(D-Trp)-Lys-Thr-Cys]-Thr-OH, which is labeled with a carboxylated indodicarbo- and an indotricarbocyanine dye at the N-terminal amino group. The preparation was performed by automated solid-phase synthesis, with subsequent attachment of the cyanine dye and cleavage of the entire conjugate from the resin. The compounds display high molar absorbance and fluorescence quantum yields typical for cyanine dyes and are thus suitable receptor-targeted contrast agents for molecular optical imaging. The ability of these agents to target the somatostatin receptor was demonstrated by flow cytometry in vitro, in which the indotricarbocyanine conjugate led to elevated cell-associated fluorescence on somatostatin receptor-expressing tumor cells. In contrast, the corresponding linearized derivative of the sequence H(2)N-(D-Phe)-Met-Phe-(D-Trp)-Lys-Thr-Met-Thr-OH produced only minimal cell fluorescence, hence confirming the specificity of the cyclic somatostatin analogue. Intracellular localization could be visualized by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence microscopy. In conclusion, receptor-specific peptides are promising tools for designing site-directed optical contrast agents for use in molecular optical imaging.

Animals↗