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Biomedical subjects

U Hartmann

Publications and source records attributed to U Hartmann.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Genital self-injury behavior--phenomenologic and differential diagnosis considerations from the psychiatric viewpoint].

There is only a small number of publications concerning psychiatric aspects of genital-self-mutilation, all of these are case reports. This presentation adds results of self-inflicted genital injuries in another seven males which are discussed in relation to relevant scientific literature focussing on psychopathology and dynamic considerations. It is argued that genital self-mutilations should primarily be considered as symptomatic behavioural patterns and that-beside quasi-normal psychological procedures as part of certain religious or cultural rituals-such acts can be interpreted as a common final pathway of a variety of psychopathological problems. The inclusion of sexually (co-)motivated genital-automutilations in a complete work up and analysis of this topic seems to be reasonable and is advocated by the authors. The assumption that genital self-injuries are more often seen in non-psychotic conditions than in productive psychotic states is substantiated. Finally, the relation between genital automutilations and self-harm in general is discussed and some recommendations on the management are listed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Combined analysis and single-step detection of GAD65 and IA2 autoantibodies in IDDM can replace the histochemical islet cell antibody test.

Cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies (ICAs) are the classical serological markers for diagnosis and prediction of IDDM, but high technical demands have limited the widespread use of the histochemical ICA test. To investigate whether combined analysis of autoantibodies to two defined islet antigens can replace the histochemical ICA test, we established quantitative radioimmunoassays for autoantibodies to glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65-A), the tyrosine phosphatase IA2/ICA512 (IA2-A), and the cytoplasmic part of IA2 (IA2c-A). The GAD65-A and IA2c-A profiles of 920 sera from healthy individuals and from patients with IDDM, other organ-specific autoimmune diseases, and polyendocrine autoimmune syndrome were compared with the ICA profiles from these same individuals. Combined analysis of GAD65-A and IA2c-A detected 93-100% of the ICA+ sera, and, at equal specificity, improved the diagnostic sensitivity (85%) for IDDM compared with that of ICA (74%). This effect was especially pronounced in children with disease onset before 16 years of age (91% sensitivity). To replace ICA testing in risk assessment for IDDM, we designed a strategy adapted to study groups with low antibody prevalence. A combined radioimmunoassay for single-step detection of GAD65-A and IA2c-A was developed, and positive sera were reanalyzed to define their single autoantibody specificity. We identified 93% of the ICA+ sera from 204 first-degree relatives of IDDM patients. Single-step detection reduced costs and effort by more than 40% compared with separate testing, allowing an efficient large-scale screening of sera for GAD65-A and IA2c-A in IDDM. In sum, GAD65-A and IA2c-A detected much ICA reactivity, and their combined evaluation and detection is suitable to replace the histochemical ICA test.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Impaired migration but not differentiation of haematopoietic stem cells in the absence of beta1 integrins.

Adhesive interactions mediated by integrins of the beta1 subfamily are thought to be critical in controlling differentiation and migration of blood cell precursors. Here we report that chimaeric mice generated with beta1-integrin-deficient embryonic stem (ES) cells lack beta1(-/-) cells in blood and in haematopoietic organs such as spleen, thymus and bone marrow. Chimaeric embryos contain beta1-null haematopoietic cells in the yolk sac and in fetal blood but not in fetal liver. We show that such beta1(-/-) haematopoietic stem cells derived from yolk sac of 10.5-day-old chimaeric embryos readily generate erythroid and myeloid colonies and that beta1(-/-) ES cells can differentiate into mature B lymphocytes in vitro. Our results indicate that haematopoietic stem cells lacking beta1 integrins can form and differentiate into different lineages but cannot colonize the fetal liver.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

T cell immune responses to haptens. Structural models for allergic and autoimmune reactions.

Protein-reactive chemicals, metal salts and drugs, commonly classified as immunological haptens, are major environmental noxes targeted at the immune system of vertebrates. They may not only interfere with this defense system by toxicity alone, but more often by evoking hapten-specific immune responses resulting in allergic and eventually autoimmune responses. Here, we review recent developments in the analysis of the structural basis of hapten recognition, particularly by T lymphocytes, which represent central elements in cell-mediated, as well as in IgE dependent, allergies. A break-through in this field was the finding that T cells detect haptens as structural entities, attached covalently or by complexation to self-peptides anchored in binding grooves of major histocompatibility antigens (MHC-proteins). Synthetic hapten-peptide conjugates were shown to induce hapten-specific contact sensitivity in mice, opening new routes for studying hapten-induced immune disorders.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Prostate-specific antigen density--a reliable parameter for the detection of prostate cancer?

We compared the prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) in clinically and surgically staged patients with specimen-confined prostate cancer (n = 57) and in patients with benign hyperplasia (n = 69), who underwent transvesical adenomectomy. The PSAD was calculated from the preoperative PSA level and the specimen volume. The prostate volume was determined by dividing the prostate weight by the specific gravity of the tissue. The mean tissue values used for PSAD calculation were 51.9 g in men with prostate cancer (PCA) and 62.9 g in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The PSAD values showed significant differences (BPH 0.19 versus PCA 0.37, P = 0.029). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated the best cutoff value to be 0.15, with the sensitivity being 58%; the specificity, 51% and the positive predictive value of PCA, 49%. At a serum PSA level below 10ng/ml, the best cutoff value was 0.1 and the positive predictive value was 51%. The PSAD results we calculated from an accurate prostate volume (surgical estimate) show that PSAD is not a significant predictor of prostate cancer.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Gender identification disorders from the clinical perspective. A contribution from psychiatric practice].

Referring to the recent debate on how to describe and classify "transsexual phenomena" according to psychopathological and diagnostic criteria and the necessary definition of standards of care, this investigation is intended as a clinically oriented contribution to the study of gender identity disorders. Beside a literature review to outline the different theoretical positions, several case reports are presented to illustrate and analyze the variety and complexity of conditions which are underlying or concomitant to the desire for a sex change. This study focuses on the need for more careful diagnostic considerations and scrupulous follow-up of patients presenting with the conviction of wrong sex assignment. Although it seems reasonable to "detotalize" transsexualism, the authors plead for the adherence to a clinically oriented approach to this issue. They disagree with arguments to abandon a "nosomorphic view" or with notions that regard transsexualism as a "minority which has been pathologized". In order to match demands properly and to give adequate advice it appears necessary to improve general knowledge and specific therapeutic competence in the field of gender identity disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Ectopic expression of NCAM in mouse fibroblasts stimulates self-aggregation, and promotes integration into primary cerebellum cell aggregates.

We have undertaken aggregation experiments using mouse LMTK(-)-fibroblasts transfected with various isotypes of the neural cell adhesion molecule, NCAM. We found that self-aggregation of NCAM-positive fibroblasts is enhanced compared to control-transfected cells. The aggregation properties are partly dependent on the expressed NCAM isotype. Fibroblasts expressing a NCAM 140 isotype with exons a3 and pi were further tested in primary cerebellum cell re-aggregation experiments. While control-transfected fibroblasts could not be found in forming aggregates, fibroblasts ectopically expressing NCAM were integrated into neural cell aggregates. Time-lapse photography indicated that the nascent primary cell aggregates actively participated in the integration process by migration and attachment to nearby NCAM-positive fibroblasts.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

[Imagination and desire: reflections on the determination of male sexuality].

Imagination and desire are looked upon as major determinants of male sexuality. In its various facets imagination represents one of the fundamental dimensions of human cognition. During the early phases of development the close interaction of imagination and erotic desire leads to the formations of psychical representatives of experiences of satisfaction that influence sexual and nonsexual behavior by establishing an internalized structure of blueprints for satisfaction. These blueprints can also be viewed as an important step in the development of autonomy. Sex differences can be found primarily in the function and employment of erotic fantasies. Compared to women men tend to use their erotic imagery to a much higher degree as a compensation for a lack of sexual satisfaction. Proceeding from the conceptual distinction of erotic and everyday realities, reflections on the zeitgeist of male sexuality and the relationship between the sexes are put forward focussing on the ambiguity of erotic imagination and the border crossing between the two realities. Based on these reflections therapeutic aspects of imagination and desire are touched upon and the problems of integrating erotic reality and everyday reality in long-term male-female relationships are discussed.

Erotica↗
PubMed1993

Predictive value of real-time RigiScan monitoring for the etiology of organogenic impotence.

We performed routine diagnostic evaluations in 160 consecutive patients from our impotence clinic. After the diagnostic studies were completed, the results of RigiScan* monitoring during visual sexual stimulation before and after intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs were compared to the results of standardized pharmacological testing, single potential analysis of cavernous electrical activity and pharmacocavernosometry. The results suggest RigiScan monitoring to be a highly accurate method to evaluate and document objectively the erectile response after intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs. Although pathological monitoring after intracavernous injection is significantly associated with pathological findings in the specific evaluation, the predictive value of RigiScan monitoring for specific organogenic etiologies is not satisfactory, since normal monitoring showed no convincing correlation to single potential analysis of cavernous electrical activity or cavernosometry.

Erectile Dysfunction↗
PubMed1993

Peak force, velocity, and power during five and ten maximal rowing ergometer strokes by world class female and male rowers.

On a Gjessing rowing ergometer 20 A- and B-squad women (age 21.6 +/- 2.3 years, height 183.6 +/- 2.8 cm, weight 75.6 +/- 2.6 kg) and 81 A-squad men (age 24.6 +/- 2.1 years, height 194.8 +/- 3.3 cm, weight 92.8 +/- 2.7 kg) performed five and ten maximal strokes with a brake load of 3.0 kp; additionally, the women performed a 6-min maximal test (3.0 kp brake load). During the rowing stroke the peak force was measured with a strain gauge, while the peak velocity was determined with an ultrasound echo system. From these values the peak power was calculated. Regardless of sex, there was a relatively constant relationship between peak force and velocity, according to the principle of Hill. For the men the maximal peak force for five and ten strokes was 1350 N, the maximal peak velocity 3.80 m/s, and the maximal peak power 3230 W. The corresponding values for the women were 1020 N, 2.90 m/s, and 1860 W, respectively. With the exception of the strokes at the beginning, at no time during the 6-min maximal test was more than 65%-70% of the maximal force applied. Peak force decreased from the first stroke to the last stroke. The slightly increased peak power during the last 25 s of the test was caused solely by an increase in peak velocity.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Effectiveness and safety of cavernous body auto-injection therapy with papaverine/phentolamine. Study group].

A multicenter long-term study at 13 urologic clinics in Germany and Austria tested the efficacy and safety of a papaverine (15 mg/ml) and phentolamine (0.5 mg/ml) mixture (ANDROSKAT) in achievement of pharmacologically aided erection. The study population of 157 men with chronic erectile dysfunction received a total of 559 injections administered by physicians, to establish the individual minimal dose of the mixture needed by each patient for a rigid erection. Rigidity sufficient for intercourse was achieved by 94% of these men. In the second phase of the study, 92 men administered a total of 4717 self-injections (mean 51.2, SD 7.7), with an average follow-up of 14 months. The mean therapeutic dose was 1.02 ml (SD 0.72). The latency time to full erection averaged 10.3 min (SD 5.5). The average duration of the erection induced was 67.1 min (SD 40.8, min. 11.2, max. 236). Sexual intercourse, orgasm and ejaculation were reported following 90%, 88% and 86%, respectively, of all injections. In the initial diagnostic phase, prolonged erections were seen in 13 patients (3%) and minor bruises at the injection site in 12 men. Side effects of self-injection during home therapy were pain (1.2%), haematoma (2.6%) and prolonged erection (0.9%). We conclude that self-injection with a combination of papaverine and phentolamine is an efficient and safe long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Transverse expansion with plate appliances--their intermolar stability and significance for gingival recession].

This study was undertaken to investigate if transversal expansion with removable plates is a predisposing factor in the occurrence for buccal recessions in the molar region. In order to clarify a possible causal relationship, it is important to know to what extent the therapeutic expansion remains stable, 58 former patients, ages ten to 15, were studied following transversal expansion and non-extraction therapy with removable appliances. Intermolar expansion and stability, clinical crown length, and the incidence of buccal recessions on the incisors and six-year molars were evaluated. The study revealed that with relatively good intermolar stability (relapse between 13% and 14%), when compared with an untreated control group and with the data contained in the literature, recessions do not increasingly occur.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1992

The excretion of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in night urine of elite rowers during altitude training.

During an altitude training camp (23 days, 1850 m above sea level) we collected night urine from 36 German elite rowers in order to measure the excretion of urea, creatinine, 17-ketosteroids (17-KS), and 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS). 17-KS and 17-OHCS represent the major metabolites from endogenous anabolic and catabolic steroid hormone systems. There was no significant change in the excretion of 17-OHCS during the training camp (mean value: females 0.0025 +/- 0.0011, males 0.0033 +/- 0.0012 mg/kgbw.h). Significant increases in the excretion of 17-KS (mean value: females 0.007 +/- 0.003, males 0.0092 +/- 0.0039 mg/kgbw.h) and in the ratio 17-KS/17-OHCS (mean value: females 3.13 +/- 1.65, males 3.11 +/- 1.71) were found during the first week and towards the end of the training camp. To investigate training effects on the excretion of these hormone metabolites, we used a recently described classification for rowing training (categories I to IV of rowing-specific training according to lactate levels and non-rowing specific categories) and a corresponding rowing data base. More than 80% of training was performed at a lactate level lower than 2 mmol/l. Using multiple regression analysis, the general finding was that in males the ratio of 17-KS/17-OHCS increased with rowing specific and non specific training regimes where a lactate level below 2 mmol/l was observed. Training at higher lactate levels caused a decrease in the ratio that may be interpreted as a shift in the production from endogenous androgenic steroid hormones to cortisol. No significant effects of single training variables were found in female rowers, which indicates major training influences on testosterone metabolism. The influence of further factors such as a relationship between urine urea and 17-KS in males are described and need further explanation.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗