Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

P Sterk

Publications and source records attributed to P Sterk.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Pneumoperitoneum in surgical management of giant scrotal hernias].

Surgical treatment of giant abdominal hernias includes reduction of the hernia content and tension-free closure of the abdominal wall. Initial laparoscopy simulates the postoperative abdominal wall tension. Recognizing the need for a preoperative pneumoperitoneum in cases of chronic eventration may help to avoid "abdominal catastrophes" including bowel resection, abdominal compartment, and extended abdominal wall reconstruction. We report a 66-year-old man with an asymptomatic long-standing giant scrotal hernia who was admitted with sepsis and uremia caused by intestinal obstruction.

Aged↗

[Quality of life assessment after surgery for diverticulitis - a follow-up study].

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sigmoid resection is a well established procedure for surgical treatment of benign colorectal diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the longterm quality of life of patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for sigmoid diverticulitis. Differences in health related life quality to the open-conventional approach were evaluated in a matched pair analysis (age, gender, Hinchey-Stage, Type of Surgery) using a validated quality of life instrument. METHODS: A total of 45 matched pairs (laparoscopic/open) operated for diverticulitis at stage I-IIa (Hinchey classification) were included in this study. The quality of life was measured with the Short-Form-36-Health Survey (SF-36), a standardized questionnaire with 8 scales and 36 items. The follow-up period was at least 2 years (mean 62.2 months). RESULTS: Pair members (n = 45) operated via laparoscopic or open approach for Hinchey I-IIa diverticulitis were of the same sex (21 female/24 male pairs) and age at time of surgery (range: lap.: 53.5-66 years; open: 53.5-67 years). Mean follow-up periods for patients operated laparoscopically and with open procedure were 2 (range: 1-3) and 7 (range: 5-9) years, respectively. The SF-36 scale scores for both groups appeared high and only slightly below a validated norm population. This represents a high quality of life after open as well as laparoscopic surgery for sigmadiverticulitis. No significant differences were apparent between the 45 matched-pairs. Pairs 65 years old or older presented no significantly different score values compared to those younger than 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term follow-up data in this age and sex matched pair analysis showed favorable results after open as well as laparoscopic surgery for sigmadiverticulitis. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two surgical techniques. Self-reports by the patient concerning his or her health condition, recovery and quality of life following any surgical procedure are needed to assess valid outcome data of new surgical treatments including a critical evaluation of all its benefits and burdens.

Aged↗

X chromosome-specific cDNA arrays: identification of genes that escape from X-inactivation and other applications.

Mutant alleles are frequently characterized by low expression levels. Therefore, cDNA array-based gene expression profiling may be a promising strategy for identifying gene defects underlying monogenic disorders. To study the potential of this approach, we have generated an X chromosome-specific microarray carrying 2423 cloned cDNA fragments, which represent up to 1317 different X-chromosomal genes. As a prelude to testing cell lines from patients with X-linked disorders, this array was used as a hybridization probe to compare gene expression profiles in lymphoblastoid cell lines from normal males, females and individuals with supernumerary X chromosomes. Measurable hybridization signals were obtained for more than half of the genes represented on the chip. A total of 53 genes showed elevated expression levels in cells with multiple X chromosomes and many of these were found to escape X-inactivation. Moreover, the detection of a male-viable deletion encompassing three genes illustrates the utility of this array for the identification of small unbalanced chromosome rearrangements.

Alleles↗

The EMBL nucleotide sequence database.

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/embl/) is maintained at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) in an international collaboration with the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) and GenBank at the NCBI (USA). Data is exchanged amongst the collaborating databases on a daily basis. The major contributors to the EMBL database are individual authors and genome project groups. Webin is the preferred web-based submission system for individual submitters, whilst automatic procedures allow incorporation of sequence data from large-scale genome sequencing centres and from the European Patent Office (EPO). Database releases are produced quarterly. Network services allow free access to the most up-to-date data collection via ftp, email and World Wide Web interfaces. EBI's Sequence Retrieval System (SRS), a network browser for databanks in molecular biology, integrates and links the main nucleotide and protein databases plus many specialized databases. For sequence similarity searching a variety of tools (e.g. Blitz, Fasta, BLAST) are available which allow external users to compare their own sequences against the latest data in the EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database and SWISS-PROT.

Computational Biology↗

[Anastomotic protection with a transanal tube after rectum resection and total mesorectal excision].

Between October 1998 and December 1999 50 patients with a primary cancer of the rectum were treated by sphincter saving anterior resection of the rectum and total mesorectal excision. Eight patients were given a neoadjuvant combined radio-chemotherapy. The anastomoses were performed in the triple-stapling technique with a Premium Plus CEEA stapling device (Fa. Tyco Health Care, Tönisvorst, Germany) or with a Proximate ILS curved stapling device (Fa. Ethicon Endo Surgery, Norderstedt, Germany). The anastomoses were situated in 7 cm or in lower distance from the anal skin. In all patients with complete anastomotic tissue rings the anastomoses were protected with the transanal tube. The integrity of the anastomosis (n = 48) was checked for completeness in the 2nd and 12th postoperative week. The patients were sigmoidoscoped and the anastomoses were controlled by transanal ultrasonography. During the hospital stay 2 patients (4.2 %) with a clinically evident anastomotic leakage were detected. 3 patients (6.2 %) with an asymptomatic anastomotic leakage were detected by computertomography. The anastomoses of 27 patients (56.2 %) were clinically and by ultrasonographical examination intact. In these patients a postoperative radiogram was not indicated. Relaparotomy was necessary in one patient for bleeding, in two patients for anastomotic leaks and in three patients for ileus (12.5 %). Because of low anastomotic leakage rate and low morbidity we find the transanal tube to be at least equivalent to conventional colostoma for anastomotic protection.

Adult↗

The EMBL nucleotide sequence database.

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Nucleotide Sequence Database (http://www.ebi.ac. uk/embl/index.html ) is maintained at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) in an international collaboration with the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) and GenBank (USA). Data is exchanged amongst the collaborative databases on a daily basis. The major contributors to the EMBL database are individual authors and genome project groups. WEBIN is the preferred web-based submission system for individual submitters, whilst automatic procedures allow incorporation of sequence data from large-scale genome sequencing centres and from the European Patent Office (EPO). Database releases are produced quarterly. Network services allow free access to the most up-to-date data collection via Internet and WWW interfaces. EBI's Sequence Retrieval System (SRS) is a network browser for databanks in molecular biology, integrating and linking the main nucleotide and protein databases plus many specialised databases. For sequence similarity searching a variety of tools (e.g., BLITZ, FASTA, BLAST) are available which allow external users to compare their own sequences against the most currently available data in the EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database and SWISS-PROT.

Classification↗

Vascular organization in the mesorectum: angiography of rectal resection specimens.

The technical advances in rectal cancer surgery are known as the total mesorectal excision. The resection in an anatomically defined plane under direct vision and with sharp dissection distinguishes it conventional rectal surgery. The result must be a complete mesorectum without deep gouges. We performed specimen angiography to confirm completeness of the removed mesorectum. Thirteen total mesorectal excision specimens were examined by angiography after continence-preserving resection of rectal carcinoma. In 11 of the 13 cases the vascular supply was exclusively via the superior rectal artery. In two cases with hypoplastic left terminating branches of the superior rectal artery there was additional perfusion via a caudally ascending vessel or via smaller vessels connected laterally. In all specimens both arterial supply and venous outflow were located within the mesorectal fascial sheath. There was no radio-opaque substance leaking from the mesorectal surface in the case of a complete mesorectal specimen. Tiny vascular branches running laterally occurred in 7 of the 13 cases. We found no larger vascular connections branching off in the lateral direction. The rectal blood supply comes almost exclusively through the superior rectal vessels. Thus the fascia covering the mesorectum forms, as far as rectal vascularization is concerned, a closed compartment. The mesorectal vessels are enclosed in the fibrous avascular mesorectal fascia. They run close above the fascia. In the case of an incomplete mesorectal excision the specimen angiography shows a stain leaking from the mesorectal fascia. Our method can be used to confirm the completeness of the removed mesorectum.

Aged↗

[Methods for postoperative evaluation of complete excision of the mesorectum].

This study aimed at a more objective evaluation of the specimen after total mesorectal excision [14]. For this reason, a method yielding a simple stained preparation of the totally excised mesorectum was developed. By postoperative injection of 10 ml of an ink solution into the A. rectalis superior of 15 specimens, the arterial mesorectal vascular tree was filled. All specimens had been collected by means of total mesorectal excision. In two specimens, in wich the mesorectal sheath fascia had been injured due to the surgical manipulation, we observed the leakage of ink from the mesorectum even during the injection. In three further specimens, some ink leakage in the form of dots occurred from small opened arterioles after the injection was performed. No ink leakage was observed in the remaining specimens. Prior to the ink injection, thirteen specimens were macroscopically tested and found intact. Three of the fifteen specimens exhibited minor lesions of the mesorectum that would not have been detected macroscopically without ink tagging. The comparison of the findings provided by the surgeon with the histopathological evaluation showed that those specimens in which no ink leakage occurred had an unimpaired mesorectal sheath fascia. These specimens coorespond to the complete excision of the mesorectum and the removal of the tumor in a cancer-sealed package as long as the circumferential rim of the specimen has not been infiltrated by the tumor.

Coloring Agents↗

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database.

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/embl.html) constitutes Europe's primary nucleotide sequence resource. Main sources for DNA and RNA sequences are direct submissions from individual researchers, genome sequencing projects and patent applications. While automatic procedures allow incorporation of sequence data from large-scale genome sequencing centres and from the European Patent Office (EPO), the preferred submission tool for individual submitters is Webin (WWW). Through all stages, dataflow is monitored by EBI biologists communicating with the sequencing groups. In collaboration with DDBJ and GenBank the database is produced, maintained and distributed at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI). Database releases are produced quarterly and are distributed on CD-ROM. Network services allow access to the most up-to-date data collection via Internet and World Wide Web interface. EBI's Sequence Retrieval System (SRS) is a Network Browser for Databanks in Molecular Biology, integrating and linking the main nucleotide and protein databases, plus many specialised databases. For sequence similarity searching a variety of tools (e.g. Blitz, Fasta, Blast etc) are available for external users to compare their own sequences against the most currently available data in the EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database and SWISS-PROT.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The EMBL nucleotide sequence database.

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/embl. html ) constitutes Europe's primary nucleotide sequence resource. DNA and RNA sequences are directly submitted from researchers and genome sequencing groups and collected from the scientific literature and patent applications (Fig. 1). In collaboration with DDBJ and GenBank the database is produced, maintained and distributed at the European Bioinformatics Institute. Database releases are produced quarterly and are distributed on CD-ROM. EBI's network services allow access to the most up-to-date data collection via Internet and World Wide Web interface, providing database searching and sequence similarity facilities plus access to a large number of additional databases.

Base Sequence↗

[Bochdalek hernia in Adulthood: case report and overview].

A 34 year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with left-sided abdominal pain. Physical examination, chest and abdominal X-rays led to the diagnosis of a colonic obstruction. Colonic gastrografin study showed the splenic flexure herniated into the left hemithorax. Bochdalek hernia was diagnosed and emergency operation was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful.

Adult↗

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database.

The EMBL Nucleotide Sequence Database is a comprehensive database of DNA and RNA sequences directly submitted from researchers and genome sequencing groups and collected from the scientific literature and patent applications. In collaboration with DDBJ and GenBank the database is produced, maintained and distributed at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) and constitutes Europe's primary nucleotide sequence resource. Database releases are produced quarterly and are distributed on CD-ROM. EBI's network services allow access to the most up-to-date data collection via Internet and World Wide Web interface, providing database searching and sequence similarity facilities plus access to a large number of additional databases.

Academies and Institutes↗

[Secure anastomoses of the large intestine (especially with transanal drainage].

The results of colonic resections were investigated in 356 patients in a retrospective analysis. Special attention was directed to the effectiveness of a transrectal tube, leading to decompression of the anastomosis for the first five days. Under elective conditions, the overall complication-rate was 12.7%. In emergency cases, these complications were 51.5% (one third of these cases had a decompression-tube). The clinical relevant leakage-rate under elective conditions ranged to 1.7%. Postoperative mortality related to surgical complications turned out to be 1.5% under elective conditions. The emergency operations had a high mortality which ranged to approximately 15.2%. No patient with leakage of a colorectal anastomosis died when the transrectal decompression-tube was applied. Such a safety in anastomotic healing of colon and rectum anastomoses can otherwise only be achieved by using the protection of a diverting colostomy or ileostomy. The use of the transrectal decompression-tube also avoids stomal complications and the second operation. There is no indication for the decompression-tube in emergency operations with purulent or faecal peritonitis. In these cases a fundamentally different treatment is mandatory.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

Oral leukotriene inhibitor (MK-886) blocks allergen-induced airway responses.

To elucidate the role of leukotrienes (LT) in allergic asthma in humans the effect of MK-886, an LT biosynthesis inhibitor, was evaluated on antigen-induced early (EAR) and late (LAR) asthmatic reactions and bronchial responsiveness to histamine. Eight atopic men participated in a two-part, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. MK-886 was administered in two oral doses of 500 mg and 250 mg, 1 h before and 2 h after allergen inhalation, respectively. Biochemical effects of MK-886 were evaluated by the inhibition of urinary LTE4 excretion and calcium ionophore-stimulated LTB4 biosynthesis in whole blood ex vivo. MK-886 significantly inhibited the EAR by 58.4% (AUC0-3 h) and the LAR by 43.6% (AUC3-7 h) when compared with placebo (p < 0.01). There was no difference in PC20 histamine 30 h post allergen challenge between MK-886 and placebo (0.33 and 0.27 doubling doses, p > 0.1). MK-886 inhibited calcium ionophore-stimulated LTB4 production in whole blood (54.2 +/- 25.6%) for up to 6 h post allergen challenge. LTE4 excretion in urine was inhibited by 51.5% during the EAR by as much as 80% during the LAR. This indicates that LT play a role in allergen-induced asthmatic reactions in humans in vivo and that LT synthesis inhibitors such as MK-886 should be further explored for the treatment of asthma.

Administration, Oral↗

Expression pattern of a tobacco lipid transfer protein gene within the shoot apex.

A genomic clone coding for a putative lipid transfer protein was isolated from Nicotiana tabacum. The gene is expressed in all aerial organs of the tobacco plant, with expression being highest in the upper part of the plant and declining towards the base (i.e. with increasing age). In the shoot apex transcript levels are highest in the LI layer, lower in the underlying cell layers, and are again higher in the submeristem region. This pattern is markedly different from those previously described for genes expressed within the shoot apex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗