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Biomedical subjects

M Putz

Publications and source records attributed to M Putz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Self-similar chain conformations in polymer gels

We use molecular dynamics simulations to study the swelling of randomly end-cross-linked polymer networks in good solvent conditions. We find that the equilibrium degree of swelling saturates at Q(eq) approximately N(3/5)(e) for mean strand lengths &Nmacr;(s) exceeding the melt entanglement length N(e). The internal structure of the network strands in the swollen state is characterized by a new exponent nu = 0.72+/-0.02. Our findings can be rationalized by a Flory argument for a self-similar structure of mutually interpenetrating network strands, agree partially with the classical Flory-Rehner theory, and are in contradiction to de Gennes' c(*)-theorem.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Tibolone versus conjugated estrogens and sequential progestogen in the treatment of climacteric complaints.

OBJECTIVE: Tibolone has been shown to alleviate climacteric symptoms. This study was designed to compare the effect of tibolone (Livial, 2.5 mg daily) on different climacteric complaints and its impact on the endometrium, determined by vaginal ultrasound, with that of conjugated estrogens (Premarin, 0.625 mg daily) continuously for 6 months in combination with the progestogen medrogestone (Colpron, 2 x 5 mg daily for 12 days each month). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine postmenopausal women were recruited and the severity of climacteric symptoms as well as endometrial thickness were recorded at the pre-trial examination and after 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: With the exception of vertigo, mood depression, mood disorder, loss of libido, and dryness of skin, where tibolone was found to be more effective than conjugated estrogens/medrogestone, climacteric symptoms improved significantly in both groups over the 6-month study period. Endometrial thickness did not increase significantly in the tibolone group, whereas in the conjugated estrogens/medrogestone group there was a highly significant increase after 1 month and still a trend towards significance after 6 months. Recurrence of vaginal bleeding occurred significantly less frequently in the tibolone group than in the comparison group. CONCLUSION: Tibolone seems to offer a complete treatment of the climacteric complaints whilst avoiding some of the problems associated with classical hormone replacement therapy.

Climacteric↗
PubMed1996

Sexual assault victims' compliance with follow-up care at one sexual assault treatment center.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients who receive emergency care at a sexual assault treatment center (SATC) follow suggested guidelines for prevention and/or treatment of associated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). DESIGN: The research was a descriptive study of 26 adult victims of sexual assault who had been treated initially at a SATC. METHODS: A nine-item questionnaire was designed to query participants by telephone 6 to 8 weeks after their initial care for sexual assault. Participants were questioned about their compliance with the suggested medication regimen and follow-up medical attention. In addition, health insurance coverage information was retrieved from participants' records to ascertain possible patterns of compliance by availability of health insurance. Participant perceptions of the nursing care received in the SATC also were elicited. Data were analyzed with frequencies and percentages, as well as qualitative categorization procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-six women, aged 19 to 43 years (mean = 27), participated in the study. Seventy-three percent reported taking all of the prophylactic medication prescribed or given to them at the SATC, whereas only 50% had made and kept a recommended follow-up appointment with a physician. No association could be determined between compliance with the suggested follow-up protocol and the availability of health insurance. Reasons for not following suggested protocols varied greatly. Of particular importance for those who were noncompliant were the implied misunderstandings related to the need to take medications after a sexual assault. CONCLUSIONS: Although concern has been expressed in the literature regarding sexual assault victims' compliance with follow-up regimens for the prevention and treatment of STD, the findings from this study indicate that compliance, particularly with medication protocols, may be higher than expected. However, continuing work is needed to ensure that all victims receive all recommended information regarding follow-up care during the first encounter with the nurse and that the rationale for follow-up care is fully understood by the patient. Nurses who interact with victims of sexual assault are in the best position to enhance compliance with follow-up regimens by identifying victims who may be at risk of noncompliance.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Ovarian function during low-dose oral contraceptive use.

Lowering the total steroid dose in modern oral contraceptives (OCs) has been connected with a higher incidence of ovarian follicle and cyst formation. To investigate the presence of ovarian follicles and cysts by means of vaginal ultrasonography and serum hormone determinations during use of two low-dose OCs, 65 volunteers were randomized to receive either 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol (EE) + 150 micrograms desogestrel (group A) or 35 micrograms EE + 250 micrograms norgestimate (group B) for a 2-month study period. At baseline, 39% of women in group A and 31% in group B exhibited at least one follicle < 35 mm in diameter. By the end of the second treatment cycle, the frequency of these follicles had decreased to 14% in each group. Only one subject in the higher estrogen group developed an ovarian cyst > 35 mm. One subject in each group demonstrated hormone levels characteristic of ovulation; no pregnancy occurred in either group. The 20 micrograms EE preparation was not found to lead more often to ovarian follicles or cysts when compared with a 35 micrograms EE preparation, possibly because of the type and dose of the progestogen used.

Contraceptives, Oral, Combined↗
PubMed1995

Maternal alloimmunization against fetal platelet antigens: a prospective study.

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is induced by maternal alloantibodies to fetal platelet antigens. This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of anti-platelet antibodies in 933 mother-child pairs where the mother and child were typed for the human platelet antigens (HPA)-1, -2, -3, -5. Sera from mismatched mother-child pairs were screened for anti-platelet antibodies, anti-HLA class I and blood group ABO IgG antibodies. Platelet-specific antibodies were anti-HPA-3a in one and anti-HPA-5b in 17 neonates, respectively. All these neonates had normal platelet counts. One woman had autoreactive antibodies. Anti-HLA class I and anti-blood group A IgG antibodies were detected in five and four neonates, respectively, born with a platelet count < 150 x 10(9)/l. None of the 11 homozygous HPA-1b mothers became immunized against their heterozygous offspring. The maternal HLA-allotypes HLA-DR52 and -DR6, typically found in individuals immunized against HPA-1a and -5b, respectively, were found in three of 11 HPA-b/b nonresponders and eight of the anti-HPA-5b responders. The results indicate that a risk for NAIT due to HPA-2 and -3 alloimmunization is low. The HLA allotypes do not predict the risk for NAIT due to HPA-1 or -5 alloimmunization. Maternal anti-HPA-5b antibodies do not correlate with the platelet count in the neonate.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed1993

[Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome].

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is caused iatrogenically by the application of agents for ovulation induction. The syndrome may be characterized by different symptoms sometimes including an increase in blood viscosity, changes in coagulation parameters as well as renal perfusion. Although the incidence of the severe forms of the syndrome is very low, there is a general increase due to the wide spread use of ovulation induction. The only treatment of the syndrome is prevention by close monitoring of serum oestradiol levels and follicular development.

Ascites↗
PubMed1990

[Comparison of various methods of cryopreservation of human pre-embryos].

A human egg and embryo freezing program for non-fertilized eggs and spare embryos has been established in our in vitro fertilization clinic. In the following we report on our first experience with different methods of human pre-embryo cryopreservation. In a simple evaluation we have compared different conventional freezing techniques using cryoprotectant substances such as glycerol, DMSO and 1.2 propanediol and an "ultrarapid" technique. So far we have achieved 6 normal ongoing and 2 biochemical pregnancies out of a total number of 61 embryo transfers. This equals 9.8% pregnancy rate per embryo transfer. Two methods seem preferable, i.e. sucrose and 1.2 propandiol which has the highest success rate and the ultrarapid method which gives a good rate of embryo survival on the one hand and a simple handling on the other.

Embryo Transfer↗
PubMed1988

[Transvaginal Doppler sonography for measuring blood flow in the pelvis].

This is a report on our first experience with transvaginal Doppler sonography. In this way we can measure the different blood flow parameters in the internal iliac, ovarian and uterine arteries during the menstrual cycle. The detection of the particular vessels and their typical waves of flow are described in detail. In 279 measurements taken from 107 patients in the stimulated cycle we could show that the systolic blood flow after induction of ovulation or before ovulation increases significantly both in the internal iliac and in the ovarian artery. This experience made in the stimulated cycle could also be confirmed in the natural cycle where a preovulatory increase of systolic blood flow in the uterine artery was also noticed. During administration of a contraceptive pill only slight uncoordinated increases of blood flow could be registered. Any possible connections between the above mentioned changes with factors depending on the blood flow or on organic resistance on one hand or on endocrine parameters on the other, and possible practical applications, are discussed.

Arteries↗