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Biomedical subjects

V Schneider

Publications and source records attributed to V Schneider.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Determining consanguinity by oligonucleotide fingerprinting with (GTG)5/(CAC)5.

Simple tandemly organized (GTG)n/(CAC)n sequences are spread throughout the human chromosomes. The most informative DNA fingerprints for the testing of pedigrees and/or paternity were obtained with the simple triplet repeat probe (GTG)5 or its complement (CAC)5. These hypervariable simple-repeat fragments are stably inherited in a Mendelian fashion. Using these highly discriminating probes, all human individuals could, theoretically, be differentiated, except for genetically identical monozygotic twins. Examples from actual case work are reported and pertinent advantages of this methodology are discussed.

Base Sequence↗

Can the adult skeleton recover lost bone?

The loss of bone mineral with aging and subsequent development of osteoporosis is a common problem in elderly women, and as life expectancy increases, in elderly men as well. Space flight also causes bone loss and could be a limiting factor for long duration missions, such as, a Mars expedition or extended occupation of a space station. Before effective countermeasures can be devised, a thorough knowledge of the extent, location, and rate of bone loss during weightlessness is needed from actual space flight data or ground-based disuse models. In addition, the rate and extent that these losses are reversed after return from space flight are of primary importance. Although the mechanisms are not likely to be the same in aging and space flight, there are common elements. For example, strategies developed to prevent disuse bone loss or to enhance the rate of recovery following space flight might have direct applicability to clinical medicine. For various reasons, little attention has been given to recovery of bone mass following space flight. As a prelude to the design of strategies to enhance recovery of bone, this paper reviews published literature related to bone recovery in the adult. We conclude that recovery can be expected, but the rate and extent will be individual and bone site dependent. The development of strategies to encourage or enhance bone formation following space flight may be as important as implementing countermeasures during flight.

Adult↗

[Magnetic resonance tomographic screening studies of the bone marrow with gradient echo sequences: (I) the contrast relations of phase-identical and phase-shifted gradient echo sequences. Studies on probands and pathological-anatomical preparations].

Anatomical specimens and normal persons were studied by gradient echo MR imaging to determine the influence of different echo times (TE) on bone marrow contrast. First of all, six normal persons were studied to determine specific echo times for in-phase and opposed-phase states. Using different sequences bone marrow contrast in isolated femoral bones was determined and compared to results of pathological exams. Red bone marrow had no signal on opposed-phase images; contrast between red and yellow marrow was higher on opposed-phase than on in-phase images. Bone marrow lesions can be expected to be visualised with high signal on opposed-phase images; this technique should be especially suited for MR imaging of bone marrow.

Adult↗

Prevalence of human papillomavirus genomes in tissues from the lower genital tract as detected by molecular in situ hybridization.

Incidence cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease of the lower anogenital tract were prospectively collected and submitted to RNA-DNA in situ hybridization, which allows a direct correlation between morphology and the presence of viral DNA. The overall HPV detection rate in condylomata and intraepithelial or invasive neoplasia varied for the different genital areas: cervix (64%), vagina (56%), vestibule (59%), vulva (50%), and penis (42%). HPVs 6/11 were associated with condylomata, whereas HPV 16 was associated with intraepithelial and invasive neoplasia. Not a single case of intraepithelial or invasive neoplasia contained HPV 6/11, which supports the notion of the oncogenic potential of HPV 16. Condylomata were positive for HPV 16 only when adjacent to HPV 16-positive cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CINs). The amount of viral DNA (copy number) was low in invasive cancers, intermediate in intraepithelial neoplasia, and conspicuously high in condylomata. In biopsies (n = 142) taken from lesions suggestive of subclinical papillomavirus infection on the basis of minor colposcopic and histologic abnormalities, HPV DNA was not detectable. Histologically normal tissue (n = 210) adjacent to condyloma, CIN, or cancer, and thus potential carrier of latent HPV infection, also proved negative for HPV DNA by in situ hybridization. The inability to detect viral DNA by in situ hybridization in tissues diagnosed as subclinically or latently infected may have been due to limited sensitivity of the hybridization method applied in this study.

Carcinoma↗

Individual-specific DNA fingerprinting in man using the oligonucleotide probe (GTG)5/(CAC)5.

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) associated with interspersed simple repetitive DNA arise from DNA fragment lengths that contain variable numbers of the repeated motifs. Using restriction enzymes with different 4 base pair recognition sites and the simple triplet repeat hybridization probe, (GTG)5/(CAC)5, DNA multilocus fingerprints can be obtained in man. Only the DNAs of monozygous twins show indistinguishable banding patterns. Since the bands are inherited according to Mendelian laws, DNA fingerprints can be used for identification of individuals and paternity analysis. The discriminatory power in the DNA fingerprinting technique in forensic science is demonstrated and examples of paternity testing are given.

DNA Fingerprinting↗

[Several reliable legal regulations of East German legislation in relation to the forensic medicine specialty].

The authors treat questions involving post-mortem examinations and autopsies, as regulated in the "Order Pertaining to Post-mortem Medical Examinations" in the former GDR. The administrative autopsy is of special importance in this respect. This regulation, which has been demanded by German physicians for more than a century and has existed for a long time in Austria (1857), should finally be introduced in the Federal Republic of Germany as well. It should at least be retained in the new Federal States. In the field of alcohol-related traffic law, the authors advocate a reduction of the blood-alcohol limit throughout Germany, even if the zero limit in the former GDR does not appear to be implementable. The time-tested regulations applying to organ graftings are presented as the third topic. In the GDR there was a uniform order based on the right to object.

Accidents, Traffic↗

[Death in an epileptic seizure].

In this report we present of the last 11 years the forensic postmortem examinations with the diagnosis "death caused by epileptic seizures". Particular attention was paid to cases in which the epileptic seizure lead to an injury and those in which the seizure was the base for a following accident and for death. The diagnosis problem will be discussed.

Adolescent↗

Simultaneous determination of creatine, uric acid and creatinine by high-performance liquid chromatography with direct serum injection and multi-wavelength detection.

An isocratic high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of creatine, uric acid and creatinine with direct on-column application of the serum sample has been developed. The pre-column, used for sample clean-up, is switched out of the eluent flow after a definite time. Simultaneous three-wavelength detection with a diode array detector allows a very precise quantitation of the three compounds at the optimum wavelength for each (210, 234 and 290 nm) with a coefficient of variation of less than 2% (creatine 3-5%). Good linearity and 100% recovery are obtained over a wide range of concentration in biological material. No interferences are observed caused by medication with lidocaine or dobesilate (Ca), or high bilirubin concentrations. This makes the method useful for clinical purposes or even as a reference for other methods.

Bilirubin↗

Umbilical cord haematoma as a complication of intrauterine intravascular blood transfusion.

Between October 1985 and February 1989, 49 ultrasound-guided intravascular fetal blood transfusions were performed in 16 patients (14 with rhesus (Rh) isoimmunization, 2 with non-immunologic hydrops fetalis (NIHF)). As an intra-operative complication, perivascular haematoma of the cord occurred in three patients (7 per cent). In two cases, fetal bradycardia necessitated delivery by Caesarean section at 30 and 32 weeks' gestation, respectively. In the third case, fetal bradycardia developed during transfusion, at 31 weeks' gestation, but normalized within 3 min. The baby was delivered as planned at 36 weeks of gestation, after another transfusion at 34 weeks. Dislodgement of the needle tip into perivascular tissue, caused by sudden fetal or maternal movements, is the reason for this complication. The haematoma develops as a result of delayed recognition and continuous transfusion into Wharton's jelly. Cord haematoma may be diagnosed in time by continuous ultrasound imaging, as illustrated in case 3. To minimize the risk of needle dislodgement during transfusion, sedation of the mother and complete immobilization of the fetus by injecting a short-acting muscle relaxant into the umbilical vessel are recommended.

Adult↗

The effect of laparoscopic treatment of polycystic ovarian disease by CO2-laser or Nd:YAG laser.

The feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic CO2 laser and Nd:YAG non-contact laser application for the treatment of polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) were evaluated in 30 patients (19 patients treated with the CO2 laser, and 11 with the Nd:YAG laser). The criteria for inclusion of PCOD in our study were: amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea with chronic anovulation, failure to ovulate in response to clomide or human menopausal gonadotropin, elevated serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) or an elevated LH/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, exaggerated LH response to gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), elevated serum androgen levels, and ultrasonographic features of polycystic ovaries. Eight pregnancies after CO2 laser and three after Nd:YAG laser were achieved. Decline of serum androgen concentrations was noted in both groups, but was significantly higher in the Nd:YAG laser group (from 3.4 +/- 0.4 ng/ml to 2.2 +/- 0.2 ng/ml). Nine patients checked before and after laser treatment showed a decrease in the characteristically exaggerated pituitary response to exogenous GnRH injection. There were no consistent findings of the pattern in LH pulsatility studied in 5 patients after Nd:YAG laser treatment. Ovarian status was investigated in 11 patients by second-look laparoscopy or cesarian section. There were absolutely no adhesions after Nd:YAG laser coagulation. Filmy adhesions were seen in 3 patients in the CO2 laser group.

Amenorrhea↗

[HIV-1 prevalence in deaths caused by drug overdose in various large cities of West Germany and West Berlin between 1985 and 1988].

The development of the HIV-1-prevalence among drug deaths (n = 753) in several German cities (West Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Bremen, Cologne and Stuttgart) from 1985 to 1988 was evaluated; in 1988 43% of 674 deceased drug addicts were examined. The regional prevalence rate was between 15 and 25%; only in Berlin 42% of the drug deaths were HIV-infected (cumulated data of all cities over the 4-year-period: 26%). There was no uniform or steady regional development of HIV-1-prevalence in the different cities. The ratio men/women among drug deaths was 3:1. The HIV-1-prevalence among males was 22%, among females 40%. HIV-infected individuals were 2-3 years older than seronegatives. Predictions concerning the trend of prevalence rates are not possible up to now. Continuous monitoring of the HIV-status of drug deaths seems to be a worthful method to evaluate the spread of this disease among the risk group of intravenous drug addicts.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Suicidal ingestion of formalin with fatal complications.

After ingestion of an unknown amount of formalin with suicidal intent, a 55-year-old female and a 34-year-old male were admitted to the hospital with extensive gastrointestinal corrosive damage, circulatory shock, metabolic acidosis, respiratory insufficiency and impairment of renal function, which rapidly progressed to acute renal failure. Metabolic acidosis was in part due to high plasma levels of formic acid, the main metabolite of formaldehyde, and hyperlactatemia. Both patients underwent hemodialysis and hemofiltration treatment. In the male patient, a gastrectomy had to be performed. The further clinical course in the patients was characterized by sepsis and protracted pulmonary complications. Both patients died after developing adult respiratory distress syndrome and global cardiac insufficiency. In vitro experiments on formaldehyde reactivity to proteins yielded evidence for almost complete but reversible binding to plasma and blood. Formaldehyde probably exerts systemic toxicity in the form of its labile Schiff's base with proteins, but not as free formaldehyde.

Adult↗

Haplotype analysis for CF-linked DNA polymorphisms in Switzerland.

A total of 295 patients, parents and unaffected sibs from 106 CF-families in central and northeastern Switzerland were investigated with probes 7C22(D7S16), metH, metD, pKM19, pXV-2c and pJ3.11(D7S8) for eight DNA polymorphisms (RFLP's). Linkage disequilibrium to the CF locus and haplotype frequencies were compared to those in other populations. They are comparable to other Caucasian populations and, for pKM 19 and pXV-2c, very close to the findings in Italy. The prevalence of certain haplotypes among the CF and the normal allele-bearing chromosomes indicate that the majority of the CF cases are probably the result of one ancient mutation in a common ancestor, but that there may be allelic heterogeneity accounting for an important proportion of patients, that may differ between countries or regions. Informative family constellations for the different polymorphisms in Switzerland and strategies for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis are discussed. Haplotype analyses for each country and its ethnic subgroups are recommended.

Chromosome Mapping↗

The contact Nd:YAG laser: a new technique for conservation of the fallopian tube in unruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Between August 1986 and April 1988, 22 women with unruptured tubal pregnancy were treated by laparoscopy in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University of Ulm. Linear salpingotomy was performed using the contact Nd:YAG laser technique. The laser beam was delivered by special sapphire probes attached to a standard optical fibre for incision and coagulation. Two different shapes of sapphire probes were used. The specific laser properties and the application of vasopressin enabled treatment without any other incision instruments or coagulation agents. In one patient subsequent laparoscopy became necessary due to persisting trophoblastic tissue. Sixteen women were assessed subsequently by second-look laparoscopy or hysterosalpingography for tubal patency and possible formation of adhesions. In 14 (88%) women the tubes were patent, and in two women adhesions were seen.

Fallopian Tubes↗

Bone density in eumenorrheic female college athletes.

Information is limited on the effect of exercise on bone density in young eumenorrheic athletes. We studied 12 Caucasian intercollegiate volleyball players (V), nine basketball players (B), ten swimmers (S), and 13 non-athletes (N) with bone density measurements by photon absorptiometry of their calcaneus and lumbar spine (L2-L4). The effect of athletic status on bone density was analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance, with height and weight as covariates. The bone densities reported below are mean +/- SE, adjusted for the covariates; units = g.cm-2, P less than 0.005. The swimmers had a significantly lower mean density in the lumbar spine than all other groups; the non-athletes' mean density was also lower than that of volleyball players (V = 1.31 +/- 0.03, B = 1.26 +/- 0.04, N = 1.18 +/- 0.03, S = 1.05 +/- 0.03). The volleyball and basketball players' mean calcaneal densities were greater than those of the swimmers and non-athletes (V = 0.530 +/- 0.017, B = 0.564 +/- 0.023, N = 0.438 +/- 0.018, S = 0.375 +/- 0.019). The higher bone densities for athletes in vertical weight-bearing activities are consistent with some but not all published data. The swimmers' low bone density in the lumbar spine, less than published values for amenorrheic runners, was unexpected.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗