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Biomedical subjects

R Günther

Publications and source records attributed to R Günther.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Psychomotor disturbances in psychiatric patients as a possible basis for new attempts at differential diagnosis and therapy. V. Evaluation of psychomotor training programs in depressed patients.

Parts I-III of this series used psychometric assessment of motor performance in psychiatric patients and indicated a "psychotic-motor syndrome" (PMS) in schizophrenic and affective psychoses, which was not found in "neurotic"/reactive or healthy persons. Part IV yielded signs of concomitant brain dysfunction in these patients, demonstrated by EEG mapping as well as other (SPECT/PET) neuroimaging methods. Apart from this "basic science" interest into the pathophysiology of endogenous psychoses we engaged in the development of motor training programs using the PMS as "target" syndrome. We hypothesized, that motor training would not only improve disturbed motor behaviour, but ameliorate other symptoms of psychopathology also. These assumptions were supported in the first two independent studies involving n = 45 and n = 31 ICD-9 mono- and/or bipolar endogenous depressed patients, respectively (the studies on schizophrenic patients being reported finally as part VI of this series, along with the final version of our modified motor test battery). Examples of the motor training programs are provided in this paper, although the final version of the complete programs will be published separately for space reasons and for better availability for routine clinical use.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae TRG1 gene is essential for growth and encodes a lumenal endoplasmic reticulum glycoprotein involved in the maturation of vacuolar carboxypeptidase.

We have isolated and mapped to the left end of chromosome III a single-copy gene (TRG1) encoding a 72-kDa glycoprotein, by screening a yeast genomic library with a DNA probe specifying the catalytic center (APWCGHCK) of thioredoxin-related proteins. the TRG1 gene sequence predicts an amino-terminal leader peptide, two thioredoxin-like domains, five N-glycosylation sites and a carboxyl-terminal HDEL retention signal. The TRG1 protein shows about equal sequence similarity to a mammalian multifunctional protein family residing in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and to a putative cytosolic alpha form of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C. Haploid cells do not survive TRG1 gene disruptions, unless an additional wild-type copy is generated by interchromosomal transposition. Antibodies raised against synthetic amino- and carboxyl-terminal epitopes recognize a pair of lumenl ER glycoproteins (gp70/72) and a cytosolic 48-kDa protein. A 1.8-kilobase TRG1 transcript was translated by a reticulocyte lysate into a 60-kDa protein, which was translocated and processed to a 72-kDa glycoprotein in the presence of ER membrane vesicles. The TRG1 gene was placed under the control of the galactose-inducible and glucose-repressible GAL1 promoter, leading to growth arrest in glucose media. Glucose repression of the TRG1 gene caused the disappearance of gp72 and the accumulation of procarboxypeptidase. Our data indicate that the TRG1 gene encodes a growth essential lumenal ER glycoprotein involved the maturation of vacuolar carboxypeptidase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

[Percutaneous ureteral occlusion. Methods, results, problems].

One hundred and nineteen transrenal occlusions of 77 ureters were carried out in 71 patients. Thirty-one ureters were occluded by means of glue and in 21 Gianturco coils were introduced at the same time. Forty-six ureters were occluded by means of disposable silicone-filled latex balloons. Seventeen out of 31 ureters treated with glue (55%) and 32 out of 46 ureters with balloons (70%) were permanently occluded. On 42 occasions, re-occlusions had to be carried out, the average period from the initial occlusion being 2.5 weeks for glue and 19.5 weeks for balloons. In nine out of the 119 ureteric occlusions (7.5%), there were mild complications; these were easily treated and were of no consequence to the patient.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Two germ cell lineages with genomes of different species in one and the same animal.

Cytological evidence for two germ cell lineages, each with the DNA-content of one of the parental species only, was obtained for certain males of the hybridogenic water frog Rana esculenta (R. ridibunda x R. lessonae) by means of DNA flow cytometry. The approach was based on the 16 +/- 2% difference in the DNA-content of genomes of the parental species. Two types of germ cells were observed in six out of 39 males studied from populations where such males did exist. The term 'hybrid amphispermy' is proposed for the phenomenon. Occurrence of the 'hybrid amphispermy' suggests that the direction of elimination (i.e., which genome being eliminated) is determined in R. esculenta by the relative activity of putative elimination-inducing factor(s) in each of the parental genomes, which can alternate from cell to cell.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Genome elimination in diploid and triploid Rana esculenta males: cytological evidence from DNA flow cytometry.

Cytological aspects of hemiclonal (meroclonal) inheritance in diploid and triploid males of the hybridogenetic frog Rana esculenta (Rana ridibunda x Rana lessonae) have been studied by DNA flow cytometry. The fact that the R. ridibunda genome contains 16% more DNA than the R. lessonae genome provides the ability to discern cells containing genomes of any species from the water-frog complex under study. Data are presented showing that elimination of the R. ridibunda genome occurs in hybridogenetic males from certain populations. In triploid males, the cytogenetic mechanism of hemiclonal inheritance is simpler than in diploids: after the elimination of a genome (always the genome in the minority in the triploid set; "homogenizing elimination"), no compensatory duplication of the remaining genetic material is necessary, as it is in diploids. The process of elimination can be visualized in triploid males by using DNA flow cytometry to identify cells in the special phase of the spermatogonial cell cycle that we termed the E phase.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Shielded vaginal applicators for line-shaped 192Ir sources for use in the irradiation of cervix cancer].

The possibility is investigated to use shielded vaginal applicators for "line-shaped" 192Ir-sources to irradiate cervical carcinoma. Using segment-shaped absorbers of heavy metal the dose can be reduced in ventro-dorsal direction in area of rectum and bladder with irradiation of cervical carcinoma up to a factor of 2 in dependence of rectum and bladder position. Selecting a suitable source position and source standing time a dose reduction can be realized in cranial direction up to two centimetres from the portio.

Brachytherapy↗
PubMed1990

[Effects of early biologic and psychosocial risk factors on mental performance and disease-promoting behavior of adult medical patients].

UNLABELLED: Early biological and social risks were related to measures of cognitive functioning and illness behaviour in adult patients. RESULTS: 1. Self-reported data on risks in early developmental stages are consistent with longitudinal data and theoretical assumptions. 2. Patients with biological risks show deficits in fluid abilities and signs of mild cerebral insufficiency. 3. Socially handicapped patients tend to coronary-prone behaviour and report more emotional strain while coping with complex problems.

Arousal↗
PubMed1990

[Cognitive structure and risk of myocardial infarct].

In a psychophysiological experiment with 18 patients with cardiovascular disorders but without infarction we proved the influence of habituallized cognitive structures on reactivity under mental load. We used the concepts of different causal attribution (Explanatory style: Peterson and Seligman) and psychic regulation of activity and action (Activity style: Günther). It can be shown that patients with pessimistic explanatory style as well as with diffuse psychic activity control show coronary-prone reaction patterns under load (indicators: cortisol and triglycerids in serum).

Arousal↗
PubMed1989

Psychomotor disturbances in psychiatric patients as a possible basis for new attempts at differential diagnosis and therapy. IV. Brain dysfunction during motor activation measured by EEG mapping.

In parts I-III of this series psychometric evidence was reported of a "psychotic motor syndrome" (PMS) in schizophrenic and endogenous depressed patients, which was not found in non-endogenous depressed or healthy persons. An attempt is reported to establish signs of brain dysfunction in these patient groups during motor activation, using a 16-channel EEG mapping system. "Resting" conditions after a special relaxation procedure were compared with simple and complex motor tasks (and music perception/reproduction; to be reported separately). Two measurements, at least 2 weeks apart, were obtained for each subject, in order to obtain information on the influence of drug treatment and/or psychopathological improvement on brain dysfunction. In all, 23 male and 25 female schizophrenics, 11 male and 18 female non-endogenous depressed patients (not actually mediated, i.e. drug naive or wash-out period of 1 week to 17 years), and 26 male and 37 female endogenous depressed patients (medicated with tri- or tetracyclic antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines; no lithium treatment) were compared with 22 male and 17 female control persons (i.e. total n = 179). Major findings were obtained in the delta and alpha frequency bands yielding signs of "diffuse hyperactivation" in schizophrenic and endogenous depressed patients as compared with the patterns found in healthy persons. However, since in the non-endogenous patients a (less marked) hyperactivation of various EEG parameters was also found, unspecific effects such as anxiety/arousal may have influenced the results in psychotic patients, which was to be explored further. Drug treatment tended to "normalize" the activation pattern both in schizophrenics and endogenous depressed patients. Viewing the findings on schizophrenics using neuroimaging methods [single photon emission computerized tomography-(SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging-(MRI), positron emission tomography-(PET)], these results suggest pathological brain organization connected to an impaired motor performance (evident peripherally as PMS) in schizophrenic and endogenous depressed patients. If it is possible to further "externally validate" (by SPECT/MRI/PET) EEG mapping data this method may exclusively offer the possibility of innocuous long-term follow up of brain dysfunction in psychotic patients ("brain function monitoring"). This could enable the early recognition (and early therapy) of negative symptoms. Finally, the EEG mapping findings provide further neurophysiological basis for the use of motor training programs in the additional therapy of psychiatric patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[The results and complications of 616 percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainages].

During nine years, percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage was carried out 616 times on 563 patients in the Department of Radiology, University of Mainz Medical School. 50.3% were pre-operative and 39% were palliative. More than 80% were necessitated by malignant lesions. Subsequent improvements in biochemical measurements were observed in 82.4% of patients. Complications of the procedure led to the death of five patients (0.8%) and required surgery in nine patients (1.5%). The following complications were observed: biliary peritonitis in 0.6%, sepsis in 1.9%, bleeding in 1.9% and fever higher than 38 degrees C in 16.2%.

Biliary Tract↗
PubMed1989

[Possibilities of isodose distribution in afterloading contact therapy of non-operated uterine cancer using an applicator tube and a point-shaped radiation source].

For the contact radiotherapy according to the afterloading-procedure of patients with cervical and endometrial carcinomas isodose plans are represented, that are standardized to the lengths of uterus probes and adapted to tumor stages and are determined by an applicator tube lying centrally within the uterine cavity. By an additional lead screening of the vaginal applicator a dose reduction can be attained by the factor 1.6 or 1.4 in the critical organs bladder and rectum, which are relevant for this therapeutic form. An uncritical inclusion of the vagina into the target volume of contact therapy, that is not justified by tumor invasion, should not be carried out, knowing the higher complication rate at the critical organs.

Brachytherapy↗
PubMed1989

[Dosimetric studies of 192Ir line sources and the mathematical presentation of the dose distribution].

The dose distribution of a "line-shaped" 192Ir-source was measured in 1,152 measuring points in a water phantom. Using regression analysis the analytical description of dose distribution was obtained. Accomplished comparison measurings with a solid phantom of miramide in 45 measuring points show that the dose distribution can be reproduced well by solid phantom measurings. Taking an ideal line source distribution as a basis, the r-dependence of correction factor, obtained by regression analysis, refers to a dispersion effect. The angle-dependent deviation of dose distribution from the ideal line source can be described by cos-terms with the single and double angle between line source axis and measuring point.

Brachytherapy↗
PubMed1989

[A comparison between the dose distribution from 192Ir point and line sources in the afterloading therapy of gynecologic neoplasms].

For different fields of application in irradiation of gynecological tumors a comparison of isodose distribution is done with "point-shaped" and "line-shaped" 192Ir-source. With the oblateness of dose efficiency distribution towards the axis of source with the "line-shaped" 192Ir-source an improvement of dose distribution occurs in intracavitary irradiation with the lower and more balanced exposure of fundus uteri, especially in irradiation of the endometrial carcinoma. On the other hand the irradiation of vaginal stump renders problematic. In pure vaginal irradiation no differences are found in medically interesting range.

Brachytherapy↗
PubMed1988

[The incisor of the rat--not only an indicator for disorders of homeostasis].

In experimental endocrinology and for studies of disturbed homeostasis caused by alterations of mineral metabolism rat incisors are known test model. Recently they will be relevant to interpret effects of xenobiotics. In our experiments we found remarkable correlations between specific organ toxicity (affinity) and histotropic effects in the incisors (enamel or dentine), further variations of the reaction in relation to the time of application.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Psychomotor disturbances in psychiatric patients as a possible basis for new attempts at differential diagnosis and therapy. III. Cross validation study on depressed patients: the psychotic motor syndrome as a possible state marker for endogenous depression.

This study investigates the presence and course of motor symptoms in endogenous (n = 42) and non-endogenous (n = 15) depressed patients (both medicated and unmedicated) in comparison to 15 healthy control persons. As in our previous studies on schizophrenic and depressed patients, we used a motor test battery, which consisted of the Motorische Leistungsserie, a modified version of the Lincoln Oseretzky Motor Development Scale and the motor subtest of the Luria Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery. Previous findings had suggested the existence of a psychotic motor syndrome (PMS) in endogenous depressed patients (and schizophrenics), involving disturbances of the lips and tongue, fine and gross movements of the dominant right hand and the complex motor coordination of the extremities. We re-confirmed the PMS in acute endogenous depressed patients, both medicated and unmedicated. Such a motor syndrome did not exist in healthy controls, or in non-endogenous depressed patients, irrespective of the severity of the depressive syndrome. This PMS showed a clear improvement with the amelioration of the depressive symptoms in endogenous depressed patients towards the end of the hospital treatment period and disappeared entirely in patients in a symptom free interval. This may be suggestive of a possible role for the PMS as a state marker for endogenous depression, in contrast to the persistence of the PMS in schizophrenics (trait marker), described previously. The results of factorial analyses on motor performance did not reveal differences in the factorial structure between depressives, schizophrenics and normals. However, they indicated disturbances on a general motor factor, which may account for the performance deficits in psychotic patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Report on a new patient with combined deficiencies of sulphite oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase due to molybdenum cofactor deficiency.

A newborn infant exhibiting seizures and spastic tetraparesis at the age of 1 week was shown to excrete excessive quantities of sulphite, taurine, S-sulphocysteine and thiosulphate, characteristic of sulphite oxidase deficiency. In addition, increased renal excretion of xanthine and hypoxanthine combined with a low serum and urinary uric acid was consistent with xanthine dehydrogenase deficiency. Both deficiencies could be established at the enzyme level. The primary defect giving rise to the combined abnormalities is the absence of a molybdenum cofactor, a molybdenum-containing pterin being an essential component of both enzymes. The patient developed a severe neurological syndrome, brain atrophy and lens dislocation and died at the age of 22 months. Attempts at treatment, such as oral administration of ammonium molybdate, sodium sulphate, D-penicillamine, 2-mercaptoethane sulphonic acid, pyridoxine and thiamine did not influence the clinical course.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1988

[Selective microsurgical therapy in vascular-induced erectile impotence].

Patients with erectile dysfunction should be subjected to a complex and complete diagnostic procedure, including selective pharmaco-phalloangiography and dynamic pharmacocavernosonography only when SKAT has failed and after the exclusion of neurological disorders. Patients being offered these invasive procedures should be highly motivated and willing to undergo surgical correction of the vascular origin of their erectile impotence. If peripheral vascular occlusive disease is found affecting the pelvic arteries, the best operative technique must be selected. In our opinion, this decision should be made intraoperatively after visualization of the dissected dorsal penile vessels. Use of the Doppler probe can be extremely helpful during the operation. Intraoperative findings on the degree of arteriosclerosis and arterial flow can differ from those allowed by preoperative diagnostic procedures. Penile erectile function was restored in seven of nine patients after penile revascularization performed under microsurgical conditions. We used the operative methods described by Virag and Hauri, applying our own modification of the Hauri procedure in two patients. With careful selection of patients and methods it should be possible to resolve individual patients' problems with peripheral occlusion, even though the exact hemodynamic pathology remains obscure.

Adult↗