Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

V Schneider

Publications and source records attributed to V Schneider.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Lack of correlation between ultrasonography and histologic staging of the endometrium in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients.

In 53 patients of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program with unsuccessful fertilization of oocytes, an endometrial biopsy was carried out on the day of the intended embryo transfer. The results were compared with the thickness (assessed on the very same day by means of ultrasonography) and the echo pattern of the endometrium, which was classified into four grades (A to D). We found grade A in 16 cases (30%), grade B in 22 cases (41.5%) and grade C in 15 cases (28.5%); no endometrium was assessed as grade D. The distribution of histologic findings was not significantly skewed within the respective grading categories (only 37.5% of grade A endometria, 63.5% of grade B endometria and 66.5% of grade C endometria were in phase with the menses). The in-phase and out-of-phase endometria did not display significant differences in endometrial thickness (8.8 +/- 0.29 mm vs. 9.13 +/- 0.4mm). Neither the sonographically measured endometrial thickness nor the echo pattern correlated with the histologic findings, suggesting that ultrasonography is inadequate for drawing reliable conclusions about endometrial receptivity in an IVF program.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1996

[Doping--anabolic steroid abuse--careless homicide].

Proceeding from a case requiring an expert's opinion (competitive athlete from the GDR), the question of damage to the health after the abuse of anabolic preparations is being discussed once again. In this connection, however, it is not only necessary to look at the cases that have come to light in the competitive sports sector (doping) but also at cases involving the body-building movement. Damages to the liver, in particular liver tumors, are described, among others. But vascular diseases are also described. Auto-aggression and aggression toward others can, however, also entail a forensic/psychiatric report, and, finally, the forensic-medicine expert can be challenged when manipulations of the urine specimens to be examined are involved (DNA analyses). From the legal point of view, doping cases will constantly pose the question of whether the athletes concerned knew what they were being "treated" with. Quite apart from forensic questions, however, it will also be necessary to discuss the overall complex from the point of view of medical ethics. Every time a case becomes known, damage is done once again to the idea that sports are supposed to bring nations together and promote peace.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Adipocere--problems in estimating the length of time since death.

Establishing the length of time since death is particularly difficult in corpses showing advanced autolysis. One sign of advanced decay is the formation of adipocere. In this state bodies show evidence of a partly wax-like and partly pasty condition. Continued storage ultimately results, among other things, in further decomposition due to the action of micro-organisms from the surrounding area-even if this is chronologically delayed. An exception is provided by the formation of adipocere under air-tight conditions. Initially, autolysis and heterolysis also occur, involving the release of fatty acids. As a result of the subsequent hydrogenation of the fats under the influence of bacterial enzymes, the unsaturated fatty acids are partially converted into saturated fatty acids. As the fatty acids clearly have a bactericidal effect, further bacterial decomposition is stopped at this early adipocere stage. Additional micro-organisms from outside can no longer penetrate when this hermetic seal is in place. In addition, the lack of calcium (e.g. from water or moist earth) can be a reason for the fact that further adipocere development, leading to wax-like hardening of the fat, is arrested. Thus the condition of the body can remain constantly preserved over many years and it no longer allows a reliable estimate to be made of the period of time since death.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMed1996

[Alcohol and energy drink--can combined consumption of both beverages modify automobile driving fitness?].

Various fitness drinks under the designation of "energy or power drinks" or "brain or athletic food" are very popular among young people. For those entrusted with rendering expert opinions that poses the question of whether consumption of these beverages is of any importance when a person's ability to drive or mental capacity has to be assessed, especially in combination with alcoholic beverages imbibed at the same time. In the case discussed here-both the 20-year-old car driver and his passenger suffered not inconsiderable injuries-an alcohol concentration of 1.2 per mille was found at the time a blood sample was taken. Furthermore, a caffeine content of 1.5 micrograms/ml was noted. A value also reached after drinking a cup of filter coffee. In contrast, values of 2 to 10 micrograms/ml are reached when caffeine is used for therapeutic purposes. Values of more than 15 micrograms/ml are considered toxic. The measured caffeine content was thus fully insignificant. The same also applies to the "active ingredients" (taurine, glucuronolactone) contained in the beverage "Red Bull". Another assumption that, namely, the effect of alcohol can be offset by such beverages could lead to a situation in which young people incorrectly assess their ability to drive after imbibing alcohol and fitness drinks. That is naturally given support by corresponding tributes by the manufacturers ("improves performance", "invigorates the mind and body").

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed1995

Agonadism in two sisters with XY gonosomal constitution, mental retardation, short stature, severely retarded bone age, and multiple extragenital malformations: a new autosomal recessive syndrome.

We report on 12- and 14-year old sisters with a 46, XY chromosome constitution, normal female external genitalia, and absence of gonadal tissue. Except for omphalocele, right renal agenesis and malrotation of the colon in the elder sister, the internal organs were normal. Both were mentally retarded, of short stature, and had extremely retarded bone age. In addition, they had an almost identical pattern of minor anomalies: peculiar face, hypodontia, short neck, inverted nipples, thoracolumbar scoliosis, "dysplastic" hips, partial clino-/syndactyly of toes. The occurrence of a basically similar set of malformations in two sisters and the first cousin consanguinity of the parents suggests autosomal recessive inheritance. The conserved region of the SRY gene ([high mobility group] HMG box) was sequenced in the elder sib and was normal. No consistent malformations are observed at present in agonadal patients. This supports the idea that several autosomal genes have the potential of influencing the sequence of events of sex determination.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1995

"Terminal burrowing behaviour"--a phenomenon of lethal hypothermia.

Between 1978 and 1994, 69 cases of death due to lethal hypothermia were examined in our Institute. In addition to the common findings associated with hypothermia we especially wanted to examine the so-called paradox reaction which refers to the undressing of persons in a state of severe (lethal) hypothermia. This is obviously the result of a peripheral vasodilatation effecting a feeling of warmth. In our material this paradoxical undressing occurred in 25% of the cases and nearly all exhibited an additional phenomenon which has not yet been described in the literature. Nearly all bodies with partial or complete disrobement were found in a position which indicated a final mechanism of protection i.e. under a bed, behind a wardrobe, in a shelf etc.. This is obviously an autonomous process of the brain stem, which is triggered in the final state of hypothermia and produces a primitive and burrowing-like behaviour of protection, as seen in (hibernating) animals. This phenomenon, which we refer to as "terminal burrowing behaviour", occurred predominantly with slow decreases in temperature and moderately cold conditions.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Calcium absorption, endogenous excretion, and endocrine changes during and after long-term bed rest.

Negative calcium balance is a known consequence of bed rest, and is manifested in elevated urine and fecal calcium (Ca). Elevated fecal Ca can result from either decreased absorption, increased endogenous fecal excretion, or both. We measured the Ca absorption and endogenous fecal excretion in eight healthy male volunteers before and during 4 months of bed rest. Dual isotope (n = 6) or single isotope (n = 2) methods in conjunction with Ca balance were used to calculate true and net Ca absorption and endogenous fecal excretion. Stool Ca increased from 797 mg/day (mean intake 991 mg/day) to 911 mg/day during bed rest, whereas urine Ca excretion increased from 174 to 241 mg/day. True Ca absorption decreased from 31 +/- 7% of Ca intake pre-bed rest to 24 +/- 2% during bed rest, (p < 0.05) and returned toward pre-bed rest values within 5-6 weeks following reambulation. Endogenous fecal excretion did not change significantly, and therefore, most of the increased fecal Ca resulted from changes in absorption. However, in one individual, endogenous fecal Ca excretion was the major contributor to Ca loss. Ionized Ca and pyridinium crosslinks increased and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D decreased during bed rest, similar to the decrease in Ca absorption; parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, serum albumin, phosphorus, and total serum Ca were unchanged. Although alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and PTH were unchanged during bed rest, they were elevated during reambulation. These changes accompanied by increased Ca absorption and balance and decreased ionized and total serum Ca suggest a rebound in bone formation following immobilization.

Absorption↗
PubMed1995

The neuropathology and epidemiology of AIDS. A Berlin experience. A review of 200 cases.

The brains of 200 patients who died with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) from Berlin were examined retrospectively. This study was specifically intended to evaluate and document the prevalence of neuropathologic abnormalities, establishing the frequency of the various types of structural lesions, their combinations, their relative incidence, and the risk factors involved in different age groups. The data were compared and contrasted with the findings reported from other parts of the world and other German cities. It was found that the mean age of this group of patients was 41.4 years old, 75% were homosexual/bisexuals (H/B) and 18.5% were drug abusers (DA). Only 5.5% were women. Brain parenchymal changes, called in this report, HIV-related encephalopathy (HIVRE), characterized by vacuolization or spongy changes and astrocytosis in the subcortical white matter, and occasionally in gray matter, were found in 67 patients (33.5%). Drug abusers had a higher incidence of HIVRE (59.5%) compared with homosexual/bisexuals (28%). This is statistically significant (p < 0.0005). CMV encephalitis was found in 26 patients (13%) (8% of the drug abusers in contrast to 13% in the homosexual/bisexuals group). Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) was seen in 28 patients (14%) regardless of the risk factor involved. 20 (13%) of the 150 H/B and 3 (8%) of the 37 DA had CMV encephalitis. Of the 150 H/B, 24 (16%) had PCNSL compared with only 4 of 37 (11%) of the DA. A significant incidence of opportunistic infections, both protozoal and viral was found in all groups. Cerebral toxoplasmosis occurred in 68 patients (34%). Microglial (phagocytic) nodules, probably related to CMV or cerebral Toxoplasmosis, were observed in 40 cases (20%). Diffuse microglial proliferation was noted in 104 patients (52%). Cerebral cryptococcosis was found in three patients. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy was seen in 16 patients (8%). Various combinations of CNS pathological processes were found in 44 of the patients (22%). These include concomitant infections with Toxoplasma gondii and HIVRE in 13 patients; Toxoplasmosis and PCNSL in 8 patients; Toxoplasmosis with CMV and HIVRE in 4 patients; Toxoplasmosis with CMV in 2 patients; Toxoplasmosis with PCNSL and CMV in 2 patients; Toxoplasmosis with PCNSL and HIVRE in 2 patients and Toxoplasmosis with PML and HIVRE in 2 patients; Cerebral CMV with PCNSL and HIVRE in 4 patients; Cerebral CMV with HIVRE in 2 patients; PML with PCNSL in one patient; PML with HIVRE in 2 patients; and PML with PCNSL and HIVRE in one patient. Cerebrovascular lesions were found in 34 patients (17%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

AIDS Dementia Complex↗
PubMed1995

[The prevalence of the principal cardiovascular risk factors in the population of the Azores].

STUDY OBJECTIVE: to characterize the high mortality rate by ischemic heart disease in Azores, by evaluating the main coronary heart disease risk factors prevalence in the population. DESIGN: sample study referring the population of 5 islands: 37 counties. Aleatory choose in the electoral lists. SETTING: the selected individuals were convocated by mail to show up at the Hospital for evaluation. PATIENTS: 1089 individuals selected by aleatory choose from the electoral lists. INTERVENTIONS: the sample was stratified regarding rural (R) and urban (U), by sex feminine (F) and masculine (M), age 20-40 and 40 to 60 years old. All of them were determined three values of blood pressure, and was taken for exact value the medium of the three, inquired the smoking habits and serum lipids were determined. We considered risk factors (RF); blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg, total cholesterol > 200 mg/dl, HDL cholesterol < 35 mg/dl, triglycerides > 180 mg/dl and smoking habits were stratified in three scores: 1: 1-10, 2: 11-20, and 3: more than 20 cigarettes a day. MAIN RESULTS: total prevalences; HBP 20.4%, smoking habits 33%, total hypercholesterolemia 47.3%, low HDL cholesterol 17.4% and triglycerides 30.5%. CONCLUSIONS: the values found for total cholesterol, triglycerides and smoking habits were high and superior to the national medium and to those found in reference studies. Preventive strategies are pointed out.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Regional muscle loss after short duration spaceflight.

BACKGROUND: Muscle strength and limb girth measurements during Skylab and Apollo missions suggested that loss of muscle mass may occur as a result of spaceflight. Extended duration spaceflight is important for the economical and practical use of space. The loss of muscle mass during spaceflight is a medical concern for long duration flights to the planets or extended stays aboard space stations. Understanding the extent and temporal relationships of muscle loss is important for the development of effective spaceflight countermeasures. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that significant and measurable changes in muscle volume would occur in Shuttle crewmembers following 8 d of weightlessness. METHODS: MRI was used to obtain the muscle volumes of the calf, thigh and lower back before and after the STS-47 Shuttle mission. RESULTS: Statistical analyses demonstrated that the soleus-gastrocnemius (-6.3%), anterior calf (-3.9%), hamstrings (-8.3%), quadriceps (-6.0%) and intrinsic back (-10.3%) muscles were decreased, p < 0.05, compared to baseline, 24 h after landing. At 2 weeks post recovery, the hamstrings and intrinsic lower back muscles were still below baseline, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that even short duration spaceflight can result in significant muscle atrophy.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Fatal poisoning with detajmium: identification of detajmium and its metabolites and artifacts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography.

After ingestion of an unknown dose of detajmium, a 14-year-old female collapsed with asystolia. Resuscitation efforts were not successful. A medicolegal autopsy was carried out, and blood, liver and gastric content were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). After derivatization with acetic anhydride, detajmium and twelve of its derivatives and metabolites were identified. The main metabolic pathways include hydroxylation and subsequent O-methylation of the indol ring, and oxidation as well as reduction of the C-21 hydroxyl function. Cleavage of the N-alkyl side-chain is a further, possibly non-enzymatic degradation pathway. Artifact formation induced by acetylation included dehydratation of the hydroxyl function of C-21 and the N-alkyl side-chain. The detajmium concentration in blood of the decreased was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection (12 micrograms/ml).

Acetic Anhydrides↗
PubMed1994

Clonality and X-inactivation patterns in hematopoietic cell populations detected by the highly informative M27 beta DNA probe.

About 80% to 90% of females are informative for X-inactivation/methylation analysis with the probe M27 beta, which would therefore seem attractive in assessing clonality in hematologic cell populations. Eighteen acute lymphoid or myeloid leukemias, three chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and three chronic myelogenous leukemias as well as 12 malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas mostly showed extremely skewed clonal X inactivation (median allelic cleavage ratio [ACR] of unmethylated/inactive M27 beta alleles was 50, range 1 to 100) or hypermethylation of both alleles. Two lymphomas showed random M27 beta X inactivation but clonal antigen-receptor gene rearrangements. In normal peripheral blood leukocytes from 105 healthy females aged 2 to 96 years, the median ACR was 2 (range 1 to 100). Thus, it was significantly lower than in the leukemias (P = .0001, Mann-Whitney test), but extremely skewed patterns (ACR > 10.8, ie, > 80th percentile) were seen not only in the leukemias but also in 21/105 samples (20%) of normal leukocytes, and significantly more frequent in a population of elderly women (aged 75 to 96 years) compared with healthy children (aged 2 to 8 years) and younger women (aged 20 to 58 years) (P = .00125; chi 2 test). We conclude that in a population of cells derived from the hematopoietic system where clonality is uncertain, skewed M27 beta patterns are not reliable indicators for the presence of a clonal neoplastic disorder. The basis for severe X-inactivation skewing is unclear at present, but this finding raises interesting questions regarding the composition of the hematopoietic stem cell pool.

Acute Disease↗