[Cancer and male infertility].
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
R Hauser
Publications and source records attributed to R Hauser.
Population studies of three AMPFLPs systems in a north Polish population.
Allele and phenotype frequencies for D1S80, D17S5 and ApoB were determined in a population sample of more than 200 unrelated persons from North Poland using the PCR method. For D1S80, D17S5 and ApoB 19, 13 and 21 alleles respectively were observed. No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected. All three systems have discrimination values above 92% and a cumulative discrimination index of 4.5 x 10(-4).
Alleles↗
Different aspects of hearing preservation in surgery of vestibular schwannoma in women and men.
Pre-operative and postoperative auditory function was reviewed retrospectively in 98 patients with vestibular schwannomas. According to their hormonal status, women were categorized as "premenopausal" and "postmenopausal". Before surgery, 48% of the women (65% premenopausal) and 16% of the men presented with sudden hearing loss. The degree of auditory function before operation was similar for women and men. Preservation of pre-operative hearing was possible for 41% of the women (21% premenopausal) and 59% of the men. Further details of the surgery and the results of histopathological examination were also compared for women and men. Our results support substantial evidence that hearing preservation after surgery of vestibular schwannoma is easier to accomplish for men than for women. The finding of significantly more sudden hearing loss in premenopausal women may suggest a hormonal influence on tumour growth, which may also be partially responsible for the difference in hearing prognosis between women and men.
Adolescent↗
Evaluation of the emotional state shortly before death--science-fiction or a new challenge?
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Brain↗
[Computer-assisted surgery of the paranasal sinuses with an opto-electronic stereotaxic system].
BACKGROUND: A basic problem common to all systems for computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is the exact registration and referencing, that is, the transfer of preoperative image data to the intraoperative pathology. A system for computer-assisted ENT surgery should provide high precision as well as noninvasive registration and referencing. We present a system designed for such use in paranasal sinus surgery that is based on optical digitizing with several custom-made self-localizing surgical instruments. METHODS AND RESULTS: The system tracks the correct alignment of the head during CT data acquisition and continuously throughout surgery. A transformation matrix and a plane equation of the CT scan are used to match points of the object space to the image space detecting fiducial markers on the CT scans by an automatic algorithm. For position measurements a special reference frame and surgical instruments were developed and equipped with infrared light-emitting diodes that could be detected in real time. Measurements for repositioning of the reference system in a model and during real operations demonstrated a mean error ranging from 0.69 to 1.01 mm and from 0.76 to 1.67 mm respectively. Clinical experience with the application of the system for 15 patients who underwent surgery for different paranasal sinus pathologies is reported. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the non-invasive reference system and the locatable surgical tools may be effective, accurate and useful for computer-assisted identification of intranasal structures. Such systems may contribute to further improvement of minimal invasive intranasal sinus surgery.
Equipment Design↗
[3-year follow-up after endonasal microscopic paranasal sinus surgery in migraine and cluster headache].
BACKGROUND: Migraine and cluster headache can both be triggered by sensitive intranasal areas. METHODS: Endoscopic nasal surgery was performed in 20 patients with chronic migraine without aura or cluster headaches that were refractory to other forms of treatment for a mean period of 18 years (range of 1-45 years). The selected patients showed clinical and radiographic evidence of contact between the middle turbinate and the nasal septum. All patients experienced immediate relief of pain following topical application of cocaine to the presumable triggering area. Five patients with cluster headache and 15 patients with migraine were treated. RESULTS: All patients with cluster headache were free of symptoms after surgical intervention and for a mean follow-up period of three years. Six of the 15 patients with migraine were completely free of symptoms after a mean follow-up period of three years; five had improved more than 50% in the duration and frequency of their attacks. Treatment was unsuccessful in four patients. CONCLUSION: This trial established a likely relationship between nasal trigger areas and cluster headache through the trigeminovascular system and a possible relationship to some type of migraine without aura.
Adult↗
An Airway Wallstent for the treatment of tracheobronchial malignancies.
BACKGROUND: The palliative effect of a new Airway Wallstent with a polyurethane covering was tested in patients with inoperable malignant lesions of the central airways. METHODS: Thirty six stents were inserted in 27 patients with obstruction (n = 24) or fistulae (n = 3), 15 of whom later received radiotherapy. The degree of symptom relief was assessed 1, 30, and 90 days after stent insertion. RESULTS: Stent deployment was successful in all patients. Significant improvements were observed one day after placement compared with before placement, with no change at 30 and 90 days, in dyspnoea index (mean (SD) 3.2 (0.7) before stent insertion compared with 1.8 (0.7) one day after insertion); Karnofsky index (32 (18) before insertion compared with 55 (15) one day after insertion); and obstruction of airway diameter (85 (11)% before insertion compared with 10 (12)% on day 1 after stent insertion). Stent-related complications needing later interventions included retained secretions (five patients), granuloma formation at ends of the stent (four patients), and stent migration (four patients). Over a median observation period of two months (range two days to 8.5 months) all stent coverings remained intact without delamination or tumour ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: The Airway Wallstent provided excellent palliation for malignant obstructions and fistulae of the central airways. Retention of secretions and granuloma formation at the ends of the stent warrant minor technical improvements.
Adult↗
A regression approach to the analysis of serial peak flow among fuel oil ash exposed workers.
We investigated the association between exposure to fuel oil ash and acute airway obstruction in 31 boilermakers and 31 utility workers during the overhaul of a large oil-fired boiler. Air flow was assessed with self-recorded serial peak expiratory flow rate measurements (PEFR) using a mini-Wright meter. Exposure to thoracic particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 gm or smaller (PM10) was assessed using personal sampling devices and detailed work diaries. All subjects were male, with an average age of 43 yr, and an average of 18 yr at their current trade. Average PM10 exposure on work days was 2.75 mg/m3 for boilermakers and 0.57 mg/m3 for utility workers. Three daily PEFR measurements (start-of-shift, end-of-shift, and bed-time) were analyzed simultaneously, using Huber linear regression. After adjustment for job title, welder status, age, height, smoking, and weld-years, for each mg/m3 increase in PM10, the estimated decline in PEFR was 13.2 L/min (p = 0.008) for end-of-shift, 9.9 L/min (p = 0.045) for bed-time, and 6.6 L/min (p = 0.26) for start-of-shift of the following day. This decline of the exposure effect over the 24-h period that follows was statistically significant (p = 0.004). No other factors were found to significantly modify the effect of exposure. Our results suggest that occupational exposure to fuel oil ash is associated with significant acute decrements in peak flow.
Adult↗
In vitro import of proteins into mitochondria of Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania tarentolae.
In eukaryotic evolution, the earliest branch of organisms to have mitochondria are the trypanosomatids. Their mitochondrial biogenesis not only includes import of most proteins, but also, unlike in other organisms, import of the whole set of tRNAs. In order to investigate these processes, we devised novel procedures for the isolation of mitochondria from two trypanosomatid species: Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania tarentolae. Isotonic cell lysis followed by equilibrium density centrifugation in Nycodenz gradients yielded mitochondrial fractions exhibiting a membrane potential. Furthermore, we have used these fractions to reconstitute import of mitochondrial matrix proteins in vitro. Energy-dependent uptake of an artificial precursor protein, containing a trypanosomal presequence attached to mouse dihydrofolate reductase and of yeast mitochondrial alcohol dehydrogenase could be demonstrated. The presequences of both proteins were processed in T. brucei whereas only the trypanosomal one was cleaved in L. tarentolae. Trypsin pretreatment abolished the ability of the mitochondria to import proteins, indicating the involvement of proteinaceous components at the surface of mitochondria.
Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗
[Transitory evoked otoacoustic emissions and distortion product emissions in disorders of middle ear ventilation].
Both the amplitude and power spectra of otoacoustic emissions are affected by the transfer properties of the middle ear. This prospective study examined the influence of eustachian tube dysfunction on transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). In all, 18 ears were studied that exhibited negative middle ear pressures with or without middle ear fluid. Measurements were performed at the time of diagnosis during the recovery stage, and after the middle ear became normally ventilated. Findings showed that TEOAE and DPOAE levels increased while airbone gaps were reduced by an average of 8 dB after negative middle ear pressures returned from -400 daPa to a normal state. There was a tendency for negative middle ear pressure to affect DPOAEs more in the 1-kHz region than in higher frequencies. By contrast, TEOAEs and airbone gaps were more uniformly affected across the entire frequency range. These results for ears with eustachian tube dysfunction were somewhat different from those results of studies obtained in healthy ears tested during experimental changes in middle ear pressure.
Adolescent↗
Incidence of deep sepsis in uncemented total hip arthroplasty using clean air facility as a function of antibiotic prophylaxis.
Eight hundred and twenty two uncemented primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed between September 1980 and December 1992. The population that underwent uncemented THA can be divided into two groups based on the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis: group 1 contains 439 primary THAs from September 1980 to September 1987 without antibiotic prophylaxis; group 2 contains 383 primary THAs who received short-term cefamandole prophylaxis from October 1987 to December 1992. Laminar air-flow and whole-body exhaust suits were used during the whole period of this study. Both groups consisted of relatively young patients with a mean age of 53.8 years in group 1, and 54.3 years in group 2. Using Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, the estimated survival rate of sepsis-free hips in group 1 was 97.9% at one year, 97.6% at two years, and 97.4% at three and up to eleven years. In group 2 with antibiotic prophylaxis no deep infection occurred; the rate of sepsis-free hips at five years is 100%. Under clean air conditions, antibiotic prophylaxis significantly decreased the incidence of deep sepsis (p log-rank 0.004).
Adolescent↗
The Balgrist hip socket for fixation without cement: analysis of 387 primary total hip replacements.
The results of 387 primary hip arthroplasties in which an uncemented Balgrist hip socket had been used in 346 patients were reviewed after a maximum of six years. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 54.3 years. Acetabular deficiency according to the AAOS classification was found in 21% of these primary arthroplasties. Three acetabular components (0.77%) had been revised. Using Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis, with the use of prosthesis revision as the endpoint of failure, the survival rate at five years was found to be 99%. Four acetabular components (1%) had migrated and lysis of bone around the component in zone III occurred in one patient (0.26%). The data suggest that the unique socket design of the Balgrist hip socket (consisting of two tapered parts: an expansive outer titanium-alloy split ring and an insert of polyethylene) provides very satisfactory clinical results with various acetabular defects.
Adolescent↗
[Reliability of the rapid Streptococcus A test].
The results of three second-generation immune assays for direct detection of group A streptococcus were compared in 65 patients with acute pharyngitis. The assays included Strep A Plus, (Abbott), Concise Strep A (Hybritech) and Cards Plus (Pacific Biotech). A standard culture was used as reference. Additionally a nucleic acid hybridization assay (Gen-Probe) was applied after enhanced broth culturing. The sensitivities and specificities of the three immunoassays were similar and showed that Strep A Plus had an 84.2% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity, Concise Strep A an 82.4% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity, and Cards Plus an 84.2% specificity and 90.7% sensitivity. The Concise Strep A had significantly more doubtful results in comparison with the two other rapid immune assays (9.7% versus 2.3%, P = 0.034. The standard culture and the DNA probe test gave the same results in 94% of cases. Clinical parameters were found to be unreliable for the diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. However, findings show that when the rapid immune assay is positive, it is reasonable to start antibiotic treatment without performing a bacterial culture. In cases with a negative assay, management is best tailored to clinical symptoms and laboratory examinations.
Adolescent↗
[Has there been a death at Bel-Air?].
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Adolescent↗
tRNAs are imported into mitochondria of Trypanosoma brucei independently of their genomic context and genetic origin.
The mitochondrial genome of Trypanosoma brucei does not encode any identifiable tRNAs. Instead, mitochondrial tRNAs are synthesized in the nucleus and subsequently imported into mitochondria. In order to analyse the signals which target the tRNAs into the mitochondria, an in vivo import system has been developed: tRNA variants were expressed episomally and their import into mitochondria assessed by purification and nuclease treatment of the mitochondrial fraction. Three tRNA genes were tested in this system: (i) a mutated version of the trypanosomal tRNA(Tyr); (ii) a cytosolic tRNA(His) of yeast; and (iii) a human cytosolic tRNA(Lys). The tRNAs were expressed in their own genomic context, or containing various lengths of the 5'-flanking sequence of the trypanosomal tRNA(Tyr) gene. In all cases efficient import of each of the tRNAs was observed. We independently confirmed the mitochondrial import of the yeast tRNA(His), since in organello [alpha-32P]ATP-labelling of the 3'-end of the tRNA was inhibited by carboxyatractyloside, a highly specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator. Import of heterologous tRNAs in their own genomic contexts supports the conclusion that no specific targeting signals are necessary to import tRNAs into mitochondria of T. brucei, but rather that the tRNA structure itself is sufficient to specify import.
Animals↗
Evolution of a magnetic state in YbCu5-xGax.
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Journal Article↗
Observations on the Lewis (a) and Lewis (b) activity of erythrocytes.
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Erythrocytes↗
Fertility in cases of hypergonadotropic azoospermia.
OBJECTIVE: To review the outcome of reconstructive microsurgery in men with hypergonadotropic azoospermia. DESIGN: A retrospective study on patients with hypergonadotropic azoospermia who underwent scrotal exploration and bypass microsurgery. SETTING: Male infertility microsurgery clinic affiliated with a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-one hypergonadotropic azoospermic men with evidence of spermatogenesis on testicular biopsy. INTERVENTIONS: Microsurgical exploration of the testes, operative sperm aspiration, and bypass procedures: vasoepididymostomy or vasovasostomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative aspirated sperm, postoperative ejaculated sperm, proof of fertilizing ability (fertilizations), and pregnancies. RESULTS: Sperm were aspirated intraoperatively in all cases and were detected in postoperative ejaculations in 87%. Of the 14 patients with long-term follow-up data, 6 achieved pregnancies (8 children), and 3 more demonstrated the capacity for fertilization at IVF. CONCLUSIONS: The observation of a high serum FSH in men with azoospermia does not rule out the possibility of obstruction and the capacity for fertility. Caution should be exercised particularly if unilateral testicular atrophy is present. A testicular biopsy should be performed to detect possible spermatogenesis and, if present, then a microsurgical bypass can lead to a successful pregnancy.
Adult↗