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Biomedical subjects

T Schmidt

Publications and source records attributed to T Schmidt.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Handling of slaughter cattle in pre and post transport situations including loading and unloading on journeys up to 8 hours in Germany.

In a field study 63 commercial cattle transports to German slaughter plants including 580 bulls, cows and heifers were investigated to estimate the impact of pre and post transport aspects on animal welfare. Study 1 evaluated these aspects as part of a large model covering all possible influences at transport and slaughter on biochemical stress response and carcass and meat quality. Included were keeping system, behavioural and clinical observations at loading, unloading and lairage, transport time, loading density, mounting prevention, regrouping and lairage time. In study 2 more detailed questions about loading and unloading were answered by investigating the impact of facility design and handling criteria on cattle behaviour and heart rate. Cattle from tied housing show an increased stress response to all transport procedures. Many aspects of facility design and handling contribute to quality of loading. Cattle show calmer behaviour, turn, balk or fall less if they are not mixed and driven in small groups on driveways without impediments but with regular sideblock, not wider than the vehicle ramp. Vehicle ramps should have high and closed side gates, be inclined less than 20 degrees, and the step towards ramp should be less than 15 cm. Unloading is improved if performed level and to the back of the vehicle (behaviour, heart rate, cortisol, CK). Direct reloading should be avoided and mounting should be prevented during transport and lairage (CK, lactate, bruising). But mounting prevention devices may increase bruising if set too low (< 20 cm above withers). Longer lairage time is disadvantageous (CK, energy metabolism).

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2002

Weekly carboplatin and docetaxel for locally advanced primary and recurrent cervical cancer: a phase I study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) of a docetaxel-carboplatin regimen in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) or recurrent cervical cancer. The regimen was administered weekly, with a maximum of 12 courses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with with a total of 145 cycles of weekly carboplatin and docetaxel. The starting dose of docetaxel was 25 mg/m(2) with increments of 5 mg/m(2) until a final dose of 35 mg/m(2) was reached. Dose-escalation of docetaxel was followed by carboplatin at AUC 2, AUC 2.5, and AUC 3, respectively. Defined dose-limiting toxicities were WHO grade (G) 3 hematotoxicity, G4 mucositis, and G2 neurotoxicity. The response status of the patients was assessed using the common ECOG response criteria. RESULTS: Two of four patients developed a DLT at dose level 4. Nonhematological toxicity was generally mild, except for ubiquitous complete alopecia. The MTD was reached at docetaxel 35 mg/m(2) and carboplatin AUC 2 mg/mL.min. The overall response rate was 65% in the entire group of evaluable patients and 77% in patients with primary LACC, with two cases of pathological complete response. CONCLUSION: This dose-dense regimen was well-tolerated and could be administered on an outpatient basis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Keratosis lichenoides chronica. Bath PUVA therapy].

We describe the case of a 51-year-old male patient with characteristic lesions of keratosis lichenoides chronica confined to the back of his hands and feet. The lichenoid papules, linear hyperkeratotic ridges and erythematosquamous plaques appeared first in early childhood and recurred after a short episode of spontaneous remission. They didn't respond to various topical treatment modalities over the years. After a local PUVA therapy all lesions disappeared with no recurrence for over two years now. Our case report indicates a new promising indication for bath-PUVA-therapy.

Balneology↗
PubMed2002

[Acute peripheral vestibular lesions. Monocular subjective visual vertical and cyclodeviation].

BACKGROUND: A deviation of the subjective visual vertical (svv) is often found in patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular lesions and in most cases the deviation is transitory and easy to compensate. The purpose of the study was to find out if there is a correlation between deviation of the svv and objective cyclodeviation of the retina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients (10 females and 10 males aged between 16 and 78 years) with acute vestibular disease were enrolled. Only patients with a binocular deviation of the svv of more than 2 degrees and/or a difference between the monocular deviation of more than 1.5 degrees were included. The svv was examined monocular in a darkened room and after pupil dilatation, fundus photography was performed on each eye. The angle between papilla and macula was measured manually. RESULTS: We found a good qualitative correlation between svv (mean 7.9 degrees) and objective cyclodeviation (mean 10.6 degrees). CONCLUSION: In contrast to the binocular measurement of the svv, we found good correlation between the monocular svv and the objective cyclorotation measured with fundus photography. It is not yet clear which part of the vestibular system is responsible for cyclodeviation. Because of our results we recommend monocular measurement of the svv in clinical examinations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Is visual field constriction in epilepsy patients treated with vigabatrin reversible?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reversibility of vigabatrin associated visual field constriction. BACKGROUND: Visual field constriction (VFC) occurs in approximately 40 % of epilepsy patients under treatment with vigabatrin (VGB). There is still controversy about whether VGB-associated VFC is reversible. From a cross-sectional study there is evidence that VFC does not reverse three to six months after stopping VGB treatment. So far, there are no long term studies on this subject. METHODS: We performed a follow-up study on 15 epilepsy patients (eight women, seven men, median age 45 (21-58) years) with VGB-associated VFC but otherwise normal ophthalmological examination. Kinetic and static perimetry was performed one and two years after VFC was diagnosed (baseline examination). Visual field size at first and at second year-follow-up was compared with the baseline examination. Because discontinuation of VGB-treatment was dependant on clinical needs, patients either stopped VGB treatment before or after VFC was diagnosed. In a small group of patients VGB treatment was continued despite of VFC. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in visual field size comparing baseline values with first year and second year follow-up examinations either in patients who stopped VGB treatment (n = 11) or in patients who continued VGB treatment on a reduced dosage (n = 4). CONCLUSION: Although our data are based on a relatively small group of patients there is evidence that VFC resulting from VGB treatment is not reversible in epilepsy patients after stopping the drug.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Visual field constriction in epilepsy patients treated with vigabatrin and other antiepileptic drugs: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Visual field constriction (VFC) has been described in about 30 % to 50 % of patients treated with the antiepileptic drug (AED) Vigabatrin (GVG). The exact incidence of VFC related to GVG exposure is unknown. Risk factors other than medication have not been identified as yet, and it is unclear whether the occurrence of VFC is restricted to the use of GVG. METHODS: In a longitudinal study, we investigated 60 epilepsy patients who received GVG and other AEDs. Patients underwent full ophthalmological examination including perimetry. RESULTS: 16 of 60 patients exposed to different AEDs developed VFC, which was judged as clinically relevant by an experienced neuroophthalmologist. VFC was observed significantly more often in patients treated with GVG as add-on- or monotherapy as compared with patients who had never been exposed to GVG (13/29 versus 3/31). Within the subgroup of 23 patients who received GVG as add-on therapy, those who developed VFC had been exposed to GVG for significantly longer than patients without VFC. The only non-treatment related feature associated with VFC was older age. Type and severity of epilepsy or type and number of concomitant AED were not related to the occurrence of VFC. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of an overrepresentation of VFC in patients receiving GVG and of a correlation between duration of GVG treatment and occurrence of VFC support the causal role of GVG treatment in the development of VFC. Old age is a possible risk factor for the development of VFC associated with GVG in epilepsy patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Results of early mobilisation of acute whiplash injuries].

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management of acute neck pain after whiplash is a frequent but unsolved clinical problem. Long-lasting symptoms and disability are common. Former studies proposed beneficial effects of physiotherapy in the early management of whiplash injury. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of early active mobilization versus standard treatment with a soft cervical collar. METHODS: Between August 1997 and February 2000 a prospective randomized clinical trial with a total of 168 patients was performed. Of these patients 81 (31 male, 50 female; average age 28,78 years) were randomly assigned to the standard therapy group, which received a soft cervical collar, and 87 (31 male, 56 female; average age 29,62 years) to the early mobilization group, treated by physiotherapy. Study participants documented pain and disability twice (baseline and six week follow-up) during a one week period by diary, using numeric rating scales ranging from 0 to 10. RESULTS: The initial mean pain intensity (4,75) reported by the standard therapy group was similar to disability (4,76). There were no significant differences to initial pain (4,50) and disability (4,39) reported by the early mobilization group. The mean pain intensity reported by the standard therapy group after 6 weeks was 2,66 and disability was 2,40. The mean pain intensity indicated by physiotherapy group was 1,44 and mean disability was 1,29. The differences between the groups were both significant. CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilization is superior to the standard therapy regarding pain intensity and disability. We conclude that mobilization should be recommended as the new adequate standard-therapy in the acute management of whiplash injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Sonography and hysteroscopy for endometrial carcinoma and its precursors].

The transvaginal sonography is a non invasive diagnostic method to evaluate the endometrium. It has a high reliability in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, in the assessment of the depth of myometrial invasion as well as in preoperative staging. Patients with an episode of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding and an endometrial thickness (double layer) less-than-or-equal 4 mm should be controlled by transvaginal ultrasound examination after 3 month. In case of a endometrial thickness > 4 mm or in case of a persistent bleeding a histologic assessment should be obtained. Because of the highest sensitivity and specificity a hysteroscopic biopsy or a diagnostic hysteroscopy with subsequent D & C should be performed. Vaginal bleeding under hormonal replacement therapy should not be regarded to have more importance than vaginal bleeding in patients without HRT. After the current consensus hysteroscopy causes only a slightly increase in the rate of positive peritoneal cytology. This phenomenon seems to be of no influence on the disease free survival rate.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2002

[Multi-value regulatory systems for extracorporeal circulation].

Extracorporeal perfusion is the standard technique in cardiac surgery. It is controlled by perfusionists on the basis of their clinical experience and on the available data collected pre- and intra-operatively. But in spite of intensive monitoring postoperative complications occur. An appropriate control of the heart-lung machine (HLM) using an "autopilot" might improve the quality of heart-surgery and decrease postoperative complications. Hence, a mathematical model of a human circulatory system has been developed which provides much more information about haemodynamics, blood gases and acid-base status than standard monitoring. It has been implemented on a system which is capable of integrating measured data as input parameters in real-time in the simulation. Now, soft- and hardware control concepts based on the human circulatory system have to be developed which are able to control the HLM.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMed2002

Glass classification by linear discriminant analysis of LA-ICP-MS data.

The classification of pharmaceutical and common glasses (ampoules, infusion bottles, cylinders, lead crystal and bottle glass) has been performed means by of chemometric methods. For this purpose intensity data of glass examinations received by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were applied. A Nd:YAG laser with 10 Hz repetition rate in the Q-switch mode at its 4th harmonic (266 nm) was used to get mass spectrometric data of the glasses. 13 isotopes (= variables) were used for measurements (7Li, 11B, 23Na, 24Mg, 27Al, 28Si, 39K, 42Ca, 47Ti, 57Fe, 123Sb, 137Ba, 207Pb). The glass samples represented four types of glasses: 1. borosilicate glass (type "Duran") 2. borosilicate glass (type "Fiolax") 3. soda-lime glass 4. lead glass. Calculations were made by using the SAS statistical software. All results were obtained on the assumption that the underlying data are normally distributed. By applying linear discriminant data analysis a classification of all types of the glasses was possible (13 variables included). The use of the method of "stepwise discriminant analysis" reduced the minimal required number of variables to eight. All types of glasses could be distinguished faultlessly. Besides a graphic system consisting of the isotopes 24Mg-47Ti-137Ba was developed. By means of this system optical distinction of glass classes was possible. The developed method allows to distinguish several types of pharmaceutical and common glasses on the basis of intensity data of mass spectrometric measurement without calibration experiments and linear regression.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Determination of neutral pharmaceuticals in wastewater and rivers by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

An analytical method is presented enabling the determination of nine neutral pharmaceuticals in groundwater, and for most of the compounds, in rivers and wastewater down to the lower ng/l range. The analytes belong to different medicinal groups such as antiphlogistics, psychiatric drugs and antidiabetics. Samples are enriched using solid-phase extraction (SPE) with RP-C18ec material. Analysis is performed by liquid chromatography with detection by electrospray tandem MS. Mean recoveries generally exceed 80% in groundwater, and the quantification limits are down to 50 ng/l in wastewater and down to 10 ng/l in groundwater. Losses were observed to occur either from ion suppression in the electrospray ionisation or SPE. Losses for all compounds could not be compensated for by the surrogate standard dihydrocarbamazepine. In raw municipal wastewater, concentration levels were detected for caffeine up to 147 microg/l and for propyphenazone up to 1.3 microg/l.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed2001

Preparation and crystal structure of the ternary uranium rare Earth antimonides (U(2/3)R(1/3))Sb(2) and (U(1/2)R(1/2))(3)Sb(7) with mixed U/R occupancy of the metal sites and a variety of antimony polyanions.

The ternary antimonides (U(2/3)R(1/3))Sb(2) (R = Y, Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm) and (U(1/2)R(1/2))(3)Sb(7) (R = Y, Gd-Ho) have been prepared by reaction of the uranium antimonide USb(2) with the corresponding rare earth antimonides RSb(2) and an excess of elemental antimony at high temperatures. The crystal structure of the isotypic series (U(2/3)R(1/3))Sb(2) has been determined from single-crystal X-ray data of (U(0.675(9))Gd(0.325(9)))Sb(2). It is isotypic with PbCl(2): Pnma, Z = 4, a = 754.6(1), b = 419.6(1), c = 1025.7(3) pm. The compounds of the other series crystallize with a new structure type, which has been determined for (U(0.49(1))Ho(0.51(1)))(3)Sb(7): Immm, Z = 4, a = 410.1(1), b = 1447.7(3), c = 1821.2(5) pm. In both structures, the metal positions have mixed occupancy and high coordination numbers. Both structures contain numerous weak Sb-Sb bonds, thus forming a band of antimony atoms in the structure of (U(2/3)Gd(1/3))Sb(2) and a chain and a three-dimensionally infinite network of antimony atoms in the structure of (U(1/2)Ho(1/2))(3)Sb(7). Analyses of the Sb-Sb bonding within the antimony polyanions on the basis of bond-length bond-strength considerations indicate that the uranium atoms have mixed or intermediate +3/+4 valence in these compounds. The structure of (U(1/2)Ho(1/2))(3)Sb(7) may be considered as a defect variant of the structure of Ce(6)MnSb(15).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Functional characterization of the human Huntington's disease gene promoter.

The genetic basis of neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD) has been identified as a (CAG)(>37) repeat expansion in a gene of unknown function. Interestingly, patients with the same expanded (CAG)(n) repeat length may have markedly different ages at onset. Based on experiences in animal models the level of expression might be one of the modifying factors. To gain insight into the regulation of the human HD gene we functionally analyzed 2266 bp of the HD gene promoter region. This region lacks a TATA and a CAAT box, is GCrich, and it has several consensus sequences for SP1, AP-2 and AP-4 binding sites. The stretch between nucleotides -49 and -198 relative to the first ATG is highly conserved between human and rodents and it harbors several potential binding sites for transcription factors. We analyzed deletion mutants fused with the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene in transfected, huntingtin expressing neuronal (NS20Y) and non-neuronal (CHO) cell lines. Partial deletion of the evolutionarily conserved part of the promoter significantly reduces the activity in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells indicating that the core promoter activity is located between nucleotides -221 and 4, relative to the +1 translation start site. Binding affinities of DNA-protein interactions were defined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and the protected nucleotide positions were determined by DNase I footprinting.

Age of Onset↗
PubMed2001

Spatial variation of au coverage as the driving force for nanoscopic pattern formation.

Au induced faceting of a 4 degrees vicinal Si(001) surface was studied with chemical resolution using soft x-ray photoemission electron microscopy. For the first time a direct and quantitative determination of the local Au coverage in situ and during deposition was possible. Au atoms, necessary for the expansion of (001) terraces, are accummulated from a lattice gas, resulting in a phase separation between Au enriched terraces and Au depleted step bunches. During a second stage Au also adsorbs on the step bunches and transforms them into (119) facets. A simple Monte Carlo simulation shows that the initial coverage difference between terraces and bunches determines the regularity of the formed mesoscopic grating.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in fresh human prostate tumour tissue and organ-cultured prostate tissue: levels of collagenolytic and gelatinolytic MMPs are low, variable and different in fresh tissue versus organ-cultured tissue.

Prostate tissue was obtained from 22 radical prostatectomies (performed for clinical management of prostate carcinoma) immediately after surgery. A small piece of tissue was fixed immediately in formalin and used for routine histology while a second piece was frozen in OCT and used for immuno-histochemistry. Another small piece was used for isolation of epithelial and stromal cells. The remainder of the tissue was cut into 2 x 2 mm pieces and incubated in organ culture for 8 days. In organ culture, non-malignant, basal epithelial cells underwent a proliferative response. This was accompanied by de-differentiation of glandular structures and by migration of epithelial cells across the surface of the tissue. Erosion of the basement membrane could also be seen in places, but was not widespread. Invasion of epithelial cells into the adjacent stroma was not evident. Production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) with gelatinolytic activity or collagenolytic activity was assessed in organ culture and compared to expression patterns in fresh tissue. MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) and MMP-9 (92-kDa gelatinase B) were undetectable or low in fresh tissue specimens. Both enzymes were detected in organ culture and both increased over time. Even after 6 days, however, there was only a low level of gelatin-hydrolytic activity and no measurable collagen-hydrolytic activity. In past studies we used organ cultures of normal skin and malignant skin tumours (basal cell carcinomas) to help elucidate the role of collagenolytic and gelatinolytic MMPs in epithelial cell invasion (Varani et al, 2000). Compared to MMP levels observed in skin, levels of these enzymes in prostate are low. The low level of collagenolytic and gelatinolytic MMPs in fresh prostate tissue and in organ-cultured prostate tissue may help explain why there is little tissue destruction in many primary prostate tumours and why the majority of such tumours remain confined to the prostate for extended periods.

Collagen↗