In 31 drug and ECT naive melancholic patients, serum levels of the major metabolite of serotonin 5-hydroxy-indolacetic-acid (5-HIAA) were estimated in the first and third ECT of a course. Plasma samples were taken before ECT and 1, 60 and 120 min thereafter. The estimations were done by a new high performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC). After the seizure, a statistically significant decrease of 5-HIAA serum levels was observed over both ECTs. There was a significant increase in 5-HIAA serum levels from the first to the third ECT. ECT was found to influence serotonin turnover. It might be interpreted that ECT improves serotonergic responsiveness and neurotransmission. There was no significant correlation between 5-HIAA levels and gender, or age of the patients, or seizure duration. Furthermore, the severity of depression and treatment response did not correlate with certain 5-HIAA serum level patterns.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

DARA vestibular equipment onboard MIR.

In space, the weightless environment provides a different stimulus to the otolith organs of the vestibular system, and the resulting signals no longer correspond with the visual and other sensory signals sent to the brain. This signal conflict causes disorientation. To study this and also to understand the vestibular adaptation to weightlessness, DARA has developed scientific equipment for vestibular and visuo-oculomotoric investigations. Especially, two video-oculography systems (monocular--VOG--and binocular--BIVOG, respectively) as well as stimuli such as an optokinetic stimulation device have successfully been employed onboard MIR in the frame of national and European missions since 1992. The monocular VOG was used by Klaus Flade during the MIR '92 mission, by Victor Polyakov during his record 15 months stay onboard MIR in 1993/94 as well as by Ulf Merbold during EUROMIR '94. The binocular version was used by Thomas Reiter and Sergej Avdeyev during the 6 months EUROMIR '95 mission. PIs of the various experiments include H. Scherer and A. Clarke (FU Berlin), M. Dieterichs and S. Krafczyk (LMU Munchen) from Germany as well as C.H. Markham and S.G. Diamond from the United States. Video-Oculography (VOG) is a technique for examining the function of the human balance system located in the inner ear (vestibular system) and the visio-oculomotor interactions of the vestibular organ. The human eye movements are measured, recorded and evaluated by state-of-the-art video techniques. The method was first conceived and designed at the Vestibular Research Laboratory of the ENT Clinic in Steglitz, FU Berlin (A. Clarke, H. Scherer). Kayser-Threde developed, manufactured and tested the facilities for space application under contract to DARA. Evaluation software was first provided by the ENT Clinic, Berlin, later by our subcontractor Sensomotoric Instruments (SMI), Teltow. Optokinetic hardware to support visuo-oculomotoric investigations, has been shipped to MIR for EUROMIR '95 and has successfully been used in conjunction with VOG by ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter. Most recently, BIVOG aboard MIR will be reused in the frame of German/Russian joint experiment sessions employing two Russian cosmonauts from August 1997 to January 1998.

Aerospace Medicine↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Follow-up problems in scoliosis patients].

With reference to 4 different methods - theoretical derivation, computed model, recent radiological analysis based on 120 scoliosis patients and measurement of the posterior median line in 40 scoliosis patients - the unreliability of follow-up in scoliosis patients is illustrated. The results are compared with previous publications by other authors and discussed. A method of determining spinal geometry three-dimensionally by means of topometric methods (5) is described. The validity of this measuring method is demonstrated in the patient by geometrical measurement of the posterior median line without treatment, under halo gravity extension and in movement.

Anthropometry↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The importance of caring.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Empathy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Whistle blowing: disrupting the conspiracy of silence.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Ethics, Professional↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Comparison of mid- and high dosage methylprednisolone pulse therapy in chronic polyarthritis].

Intravenous pulse methylprednisolone of 1000 mg was compared with 250 mg in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. In this prospective open trial no difference could be observed regarding the number of heavily involved joints, morning stiffness, or blood sedimentation rate 2 weeks and 2 months after use of highdose or intermediate dose intravenous methylprednisolone. Medium remission duration was 6 weeks (2-24 weeks). Side effects occurred only rarely; they were transitory and harmless.

Activities of Daily Living↗