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Biomedical subjects

S Schmidt

Publications and source records attributed to S Schmidt.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Strategies of coping and quality of life in women with alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Measurements of the quality of life (QoL) have recently become an integral part of dermatological studies. Our hypothesis is that QoL in patients with certain diseases can be affected by strategies of coping behaviour, as well as by personality traits. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the particular correlation between QoL and strategies of coping in female patients with alopecia. PATIENTS: Fifty female patients, diagnosed with either diffuse or androgenetic alopecia, were evaluated by the use of Hairdex, an instrument developed to measure QoL in patients with hair loss. Most patients also underwent additional psychological assessments. RESULTS: Findings indicated that patients with highly visible hair loss reported a more negative impact on four Hairdex dimensions (functioning, emotions, self-confidence and stigmatization) than patients whose hair loss was only slightly visible. However, a subgroup of patients, with non-visible symptoms of hair loss, showed striking signs of psychological disturbance. These disturbed patients displayed either dysmorphophobic or affective disorder tendencies. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies using QoL as an instrument in research on patients with alopecia should consider that in cases of female alopecia these measurements may be affected by psychological disturbances.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2001

Fetal cardiac effects of doxorubicin therapy for carcinoma of the breast during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature.

Cardiotoxicity is a recognized complication of anthracycline drugs given as part of chemotherapy; however, the pre- and postnatal cardiac effects of in utero exposure are not well documented. In this report we present a case of gestational breast cancer with initiation of four cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy after modified radical mastectomy and axilla dissection during the early second trimester. Serial echocardiographic measurements of the ventricular shortening fraction and biometry of the ventricular cavities were performed. Allowing for the individual variability of these values in the fetus no myocardial dysfunction was observed. The literature was reviewed in an attempt to delineate the possible role of prenatal echocardiography in the diagnosis of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in the fetus.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effect of gamma radiation on the in vitro aggregability of WBC-reduced apheresis platelets.

BACKGROUND: The effect of gamma radiation on single-donor apheresis platelet concentrates (SDPs) has been elucidated only incompletely. The only existing report on the function of SDPs stored in the irradiated state found a deterioration in the in vitro aggregability at the end of shelf life in SDPs divided before irradiation with 1500 cGy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The in vitro properties of platelets were examined in four series of irradiated and control platelets, each obtained from the same 15 donors. Irradiation with 3000 cGy was performed on Days 0, 3, and 5. Cellular content, aggregability by ADP alone or ADP and epinephrine, spontaneous and induced CD62 expression, beta-thromboglobulin release, glucose consumption, lactate production, and pH were measured immediately after preparation and on Days 3 and 5 after donation. RESULTS: Comparable in vitro properties were measured in irradiated and control platelets, whether irradiation was performed on Day 3 or Day 5. However, in platelets irradiated on Day 0, we found a significantly better in vitro aggregability by 20 microM: ADP immediately after irradiation and by 10 microM: ADP and 2 microM: epinephrine at the end of shelf life than was found in the other groups (Day 5 results: Day 0 irradiation: 75 +/- 32%; Day 3 irradiation: 45 +/- 45%; Day 5 irradiation: 47 +/- 41%; control: 40 +/- 24%; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Gamma radiation had no adverse effect on platelet quality in extremely WBC-reduced SDPs. On the contrary, a slight, but significantly better in vitro aggregability was found in SDPs irradiated before storage than in platelets irradiated later during storage and in unirradiated platelets. This increased in vitro aggregability persisted until the end of shelf life.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed2001

The laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomy. An alternative technique when percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy is impractical.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Today, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the standard procedure for ensuring safe feeding access. In the case of advanced hypopharyngeal and esophageal carcinomas, it may not be feasible to pass an existing stenosis by endoscopy. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomy as an alternative technique for guaranteeing feeding access in these instances. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 1993 and December 1999, 21 patients underwent laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomies. Indications were extended incurable tumors of the hypopharnyx (n = 12) and esophagus (n = 9) which rendered oral nutrition impossible and did not allow passage by the endoscope. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 38 minutes (range 24-50). No procedure-related intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. All patients recovered quickly from surgery and the gastrostomies functioned well in all cases until the death of the patients. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic Janeway gastrostomy is a safe and simple technique for palliative feeding access, avoiding a laparotomy in patients in whom percutaneous endoscopic placement is impractical.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Molecular identification of potential selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) like properties of phytoestrogens in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7.

Numerous epidemiologic studies revealed that ethnic populations with higher dietary intake of phytoestrogens have the lowest incidence for breast cancer. The molecular mechanisms which may be responsible for this cancer protective action of phytoestrogens are so far only barely characterised. There are some hints that phytoestrogens may act like selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on the breast. For this reason we have investigated potential SERM-like properties of the phytoestrogens daidzein (Dai), coumestrol (Cou), and genistein (Gen) in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Effects of these substances on progesterone (PR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ER) mRNA expression and estrogen receptor alpha protein levels were studied in comparison to estradiol (E2) and the synthetic SERMs raloxifene (Ral) and faslodex (ICI 182 780). PR mRNA expression was up-regulated after administration of Cou, whereas treatment with Dai and Gen induced only a faint increase. ER mRNA expression was down-regulated by Cou but not affected by Dai and Gen. The content of ER protein in the breast cancer cells was strongly decreased by Gen, only a faint reduction could be observed following administration of Cou, whereas administration of Dai slightly increases ER protein levels. In summary and in comparison to the effects observed after administration of E2, Ral, and ICI it turned out that Cou shows molecular properties which are very similar to an estrogen receptor agonist like E2, whereas the molecular properties of Gen are comparable to the SERMs ICI and Ral. These results clearly indicate that phytoestrogens differ significantly in regard to their molecular action on breast cancer cells and can be subdivided into distinct functional categories.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2001

[Comparison of sonographic weight estimation to actual birth weight: a retrospective analysis].

AIM: This retrospective study aims at determining the accuracy of sonographic estimation of birth weight based on ultrasound examinations performed at the department of gynaecology of Philipps University at Marburg, Germany. METHOD: 630 children were born at the university department of gynaecology during the first six months of 1998. 519 babies had been examined sonographically and their birth weight estimated within ten days prior to delivery. 176 (33,91 %) of these examinations were carried out by experienced sonographers complying to the level II standard of performance set out by DEGUM. 343 (66.09 %) of examinations were performed by less experienced junior doctors at the time of the mothers' admission to the delivery room. Two reference tables published by Hansmann und Ferrero were used to estimate birth weight. RESULTS: The lower and upper quartile of deviation between estimated weight and actual weight came to -200 g and + 200 g using the Hansmann method and -180 g and + 220 g respectively based on the method of Ferrero. It has to be noted that even greater differences occurred: the 10 % least exact estimates deviated by 500 g and more. The difference between estimated and actual weight increased with the length of pregnancy. The fully trained physician (DEGUM II) tended to estimate the birth weight more accurately. The average birth weight estimated sonographically was lower in "DEGUM II-babies" than that of children whose weight was estimated at the point of admission to the delivery room (Mann-Whitney p < 0,0001). Junior doctors showed a tendency to over-estimate the birth weight of babies actually being underweight. The opposite happened with babies who presented a relatively higher birth weight: their projected birth weight was underestimated. On the other hand, the regression line of the sonographic estimations of birth weight performed by the expert (level II DEGUM) fit to the expected bisector of the angle (Passing-Bablock p > 0,05). CONCLUSION: When clinical decisions are based on estimated values of birth weight, the possible deviation of this value from the actual weight has to be taken into account. In our study this difference came up to 500 g independent of the level of the examiner's ultrasonographic training.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2001

[Sonographic variability of lactating adenoma demonstrated by a longitudinal evaluation of 4 cases].

AIM: Lactating adenoma are circumscribed benign breast lesions developing during pregnancy or lactation due to overall enhanced proliferation of steroid hormone dependent tissue. Sonography is the method of choice for imaging mainly because of the physiologically dense breast tissue. Which is the predictive value of sonography in the diagnosis of lactating adenoma? Are sonographic characteristics dependent on age of gestation or time of lactation? Which diagnostic procedure should be recommended? METHOD: We report the long time course of four patients with histologically proven (core-needle biopsy, 16 Gauge) lactating adenoma, first diagnosed during pregnancy, which were followed up sonographically (1997-2000) with real-time B-mode, panorama-mode (Siescape) and colour-sonography. RESULTS: Demonstrating a high inter- and intraindividual variability the tumors were biggest around parturitation. Despite ongoing lactation tumors regressed in size, but did not vanish completely even after definite termination of breast feeding. Evaluation of sonographical characteristics did not allow to rule out malignancy. CONCLUSION: Three percent of all breast cancers at childbearing age coincide with pregnancy and lactation, therefore, an early histologic diagnosis is absolutely necessary. Sonographically guided core-needle biopsies allow to exclude malignancy without negative effects on breast feeding.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2001

Encarsia species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) of Australia and the Pacific Islands attacking Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)--a pictorial key and descriptions of four new species.

After the recent introduction of the pest whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) biotype B into Australia, research was undertaken to study the parasitoids of the long established native B. tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood). The genus Encarsia contains species which are important biological control agents of whiteflies and hard scales. The taxonomy of the Encarsia species attacking B. tabaci and T. vaporariorum in Australia and the Pacific Islands is revised. DNA sequencing of the 28S D2 ribosomal DNA was used to characterize species. Sixteen species are recognized, with 12 occurring in Australia, eight in the Pacific region, and four in both regions. All except one species (E. formosa Gahan) are new records for Australia. Four species are described as new from Australia: E. accenta Schmidt & Naumann sp. n., E. adusta Schmidt & Naumann sp. n., E. oakeyensis Schmidt & Naumann sp. n., and E. ustulata Schmidt & Naumann sp. n. Diagnostic descriptions are given for all species and each species is illustrated. A pictorial key is provided to allow the identification of species by non-specialists.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Sugar beet mash silage as a component of a total-mixed-ration for dairy cows--effects on parameters of digestion and animal performance.

Sugar beet mash silage (BMS) was offered in amounts up to 35% of DM to dairy cows as a component of a total-mixed-ration (TMR). Barley and molasses in the control ration were replaced by BMS half in ration BMS 1/2 and in total in ration BMS 1/1 on the basis of the calculated contents of net energy for lactation. Two trials were carried out. In trial I each ration was tested on parameters of rumen fermentation and digestibility of crude nutrients using 4 Holstein cows with rumen fistula. Chewing activity was tested on 2 Holstein cows for each ration. With the BMS rations the ruminal NH3 concentration was lower and the drop in pH was less than in the control ration. The pattern of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid from the BMS groups tended towards more propionic and butyric acid. The feeding of BMS showed no negative impact on chewing and rumination. Energy digestibility raised significantly from 59.8% in the control ration to 72.6% in the BMS 1/1 ration. In trial II the same rations were fed in a change-overdesign to a herd of 24 Holstein cows to test feed intake and animal performance. The results showed no significant effects of BMS rations on DM intake and milk production. The results of both trials indicate that even high amounts of cereals can be replaced by BMS without negative effects on rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition with slight drop in fat content. For a better handling of BMS, it is of advantage to include it in a TMR.

Ammonia↗
PubMed2001

Evidence for an analytic perception of multiharmonic sounds in the bat, Megaderma lyra, and its possible role for echo spectral analysis.

For echolocation, the gleaning bat Megaderma lyra relies on short and broadband calls consisting of multiple harmonic components, each of which is downward frequency modulated. The harmonic components in M. lyra's calls have a relatively small frequency excursion and do not overlap spectrally. Broadband calls of other bat species, on the other hand, often consist of only a few harmonics which are modulated over broad and sometimes overlapping frequency ranges. A call consisting of narrow and nonoverlapping harmonic components may provide a less complete representation of target structure than a call which consists of broadly modulated components. However, a multiharmonic call may help the bats to perceive local spectral changes in the echo from shifts in the peak frequencies of single harmonics, and thereby to extract additional information about the target. To assess this hypothesis, the accuracy with which M. lyra can analyze frequency shifts of single partials in multiharmonic complex tones was investigated. A two-alternative, forced-choice behavioral task was used to measure M. lyra's frequency discrimination threshold for the third partial in complex tones whose spectral composition resembled that of the bat's sonar calls. The discrimination threshold for the third partial in a 21.5-kHz harmonic tone amounted to about 2% and was similar to the bat's pure-tone discrimination threshold at 64.5 kHz. Discrimination performance was essentially unaffected by random frequency changes of the other partials and by reducing stimulus duration from 50.5 to 1.5 ms. Both findings are in accordance with predictions made on the basis of the shape of M. Ivra's cochlear filters. The comparison between the observed frequency discrimination performance and a computational estimate of the expected frequency shift in the third harmonic of an echo reflected by a simple, two-front target showed that M. lyra's frequency resolution is sufficient for analyzing the target-specific information conveyed by shifts in the peak frequency of single echo components.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

24 hour-CTG monitoring: comparison of normal pregnancies and pregnancies with placenta insufficiency.

AIMS: Routinely antepartal CTG will be recorded for 30 minutes to obtain normal resting phases, a decrease of irregulatory due to hypoxia or to differentiate these from each other. In case of early onset of hypoxia first pathological findings might only be seen by chance in incidentally recorded CTG. The goal of this study was, if a continuous 24 hour-CTG will allow an earlier detection of beginning hypoxia in case of placental insufficiency compared to a routine CTG of 30 minutes. METHODS: 21 normal pregnancies and 17 patients with placental insufficiency of > or = 36 weeks had 24 hour-CTG's by means of telemetry. In both study groups fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing included a full qualitative and quantitative description. Comparison of the results of both groups was done to look for early signs of pathological findings concerning reduced fetal well-being. RESULTS: In comparison to normal pregnancies patients with placental insufficiency had in 4.5% oscillation frequency type A and an increase of saltatory and silent oscillation. The number of accelerations and Dip 0 was significantly reduced as well as accelerations in combination with undulatory oscillation. Baseline tachycardia and bradycardia showed significantly increasing quantity. CONCLUSIONS: 24 hour-CTG is a good screening method to detect early onset of hypoxia in case of beginning placental insufficiency. The failure to find any clinically significant difference in the diurnal variation of both groups suggests, that less than 24 hour testing is required. 8 hour-CTG could be a compromise and a big help to detect a fetus at risk earlier.

Cardiotocography↗
PubMed2001

Three-dimensional quantitative echocardiographic assessment of ventricular volume in healthy human fetuses and in fetuses with congenital heart disease.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional freehand echocardiographic assessment of ventricular volumetry in healthy fetuses and in fetuses with congenital heart disease. The study was approved by the hospital institutional review board. After echocardiographic examination by conventional ultrasonographic equipment interfaced with a magnetic tracking system, three-dimensional cardiac data were collected prospectively in 57 fetuses. Ventricular volumes were determined from three-dimensional data sets, and 22 fetuses with congenital heart disease were compared with 29 healthy fetuses. A multiple regression analysis of covariance was performed to assess between-group differences. Gated three-dimensional volume data sets enabled assessment of ventricular volumes in 51 of the 57 fetuses. Both fetuses with and without congenital heart disease had exponential increases in cardiac volumes during gestation. In fetuses with congenital heart disease and a marked inequality of ventricular size but no heart failure, the combined end-diastolic and stroke volumes of both ventricles were found to be significantly reduced compared with controls with no disease and fetuses with other types of congenital heart disease. Three-dimensional imaging can provide estimates of ventricular volume changes in fetal hearts with abnormal ventricular morphology that cannot easily be performed by two-dimensional echocardiography, and it may provide insight into evolving congenital heart disease.

Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional↗
PubMed2001

A search for germline APC mutations in early onset colorectal cancer or familial colorectal cancer with normal DNA mismatch repair.

Twenty percent of colorectal cancers (CRCs) arise in people who have a family history of CRC in at least one other relative. Although a fraction of these CRCs are explained by two well-described autosomal dominant syndromes-5% by hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and 1% by familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)-the cause of the remaining 14% of familial aggregates of CRC is unknown. Many cases of HNPCC are due to germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, leading to the tumor phenotype of microsatellite instability (MSI), and most cases of FAP are caused by germline APC mutations. To date, non-FAP familial CRC aggregates have not been evaluated for germline APC mutations. In this study, we examined the involvement of germline APC mutations in 79 individuals with CRC who had early-age onset of their cancer (age < 50 years) and/or a family history of CRC. Cases with FAP or HNPCC due to defective mismatch repair were excluded from the study. Using conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis and the protein truncation test as the screening methods, no functionally significant germline mutations were detected for any of the cases. An apparently silent polymorphism resulting in a 1-bp alteration of A --> G (proline --> proline) in exon 4 was observed. Additionally, four intervening sequence (IVS) alterations were detected: IVS2-53t-->c in 3 cases; IVS4-17ins T in 3 cases; IVS5+32t-->c in 16 cases; and IVS5+33g-->a in 1 case. All appeared to be polymorphisms present in similar proportions in an average-risk population. We conclude that germline APC mutations do not account for familial MSS (stable microsatellite) CRC associated with few synchronous polyps.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Vulvar pain. Psychological profiles and treatment responses.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the psychological and quality of life profiles of women with different subsets of vulvodynia and identify differential response patterns to a combined gynecologic-dermatologic treatment program. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-three women with vulvar dermatoses, dysesthetic vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis were recruited from a combined dermatologic and gynecologic vulvar clinic and completed instruments related to quality of life (QoL) and psychologic symptomatology. A repeated measurement design was employed. However, only 33 women could be assessed at the second point of measurement. RESULTS: Women with different subsets of vulvodynia showed (1) distinct quality of life and psychological profiles, and (2) different response patterns to treatment. There were significant differences on most QoL scales, with patients with dysesthetic vulvodynia and with vulvar dermatoses showing greater impairment than patients with vestibulitis. However, patients with vestibulitis displayed a highly specific pattern of psychologic symptomatology. Patients with vulvar dermatoses had an improvement in problems related to intimacy than patients with vulvar pain syndromes. CONCLUSION: Treatment intervention studies seem to be indispensable in order to gain a better understanding of the complex interplay between different subsets of vulvodynia and psychological symptoms concurrently with differential treatment reactions.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pinch strength norms for 5-to 12-year-olds.

Functional performance evaluations and intervention planning for children and youth is informed by comparisons of their performance to normative standards. The literature contains little data regarding the developmental norms for children on pinch strength. A random sample of 414 children was assessed on three separate measures of pinch strength. Pad-to-pad, three-jaw chuck, and lateral pinch were evaluated using the B & L Engineering pinch gauge while utilizing the standard positioning recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists. The results were divided into distinct categories for 5-to 12-year-olds. The resulting normative data provide standards for pinch strength in children to be used in the clinical setting.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Association of the apolipoprotein E gene with age-related macular degeneration: possible effect modification by family history, age, and gender.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disorder affecting older adults in which genetic factors are likely to play a role. It has been previously suggested that the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene may have a protective effect on AMD risk and that the e2 allele may increase disease risk. The purpose of our study was to examine whether an independent data set would support the proposed role of APOE in AMD etiology. METHODS: We compared AMD cases (n=230) to controls (n=372) with respect to APOE genotypes using c2 tests and logistic regression analysis. We also conducted separate analyses for familial (n=129) and sporadic (n=101) AMD cases since these groups may have a different disease etiology. RESULTS: We did not find evidence for the risk-increasing effect attributed to the e2 allele in either familial or sporadic AMD. No evidence for a protective effect of the e4 allele was obtained for sporadic AMD. The age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for e4 carriers among familial AMD cases compared to controls was 0.66 (95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.12, p=0.13). In the subgroup of individuals younger than 70 years of age, an OR of 0.24 (95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.72, p=0.004) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Our data modestly support a protective effect of the APOE-e4 allele on AMD risk, but emphasize the need to investigate more thoroughly whether the effect could be restricted to cases with a family history of AMD and whether it varies across age and sex groups.

Adult↗