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Biomedical subjects

W Becker

Publications and source records attributed to W Becker.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

Perception of horizontal head and trunk rotation: modification of neck input following loss of vestibular function.

Chronic loss of vestibular function modifies the role of neck afferents in human perception of self-motion. We characterized this change by comparing the self-motion perception of patients with chronic vestibular loss (Ps) to that of normal subjects (Ns). Stimuli consisted of sinusoidal horizontal rotations (0.025-0.4 Hz) of the trunk relative to the head (neck stimulation) and/or of the head in space (vestibular stimulation). Perception of head rotation relative to the trunk, of trunk rotation in space, or of head rotation in space was assessed in terms of gain and phase (veridical perception, G = 1 and phi = 0 degree) as well as detection threshold using a pointing procedure. (1) Perception of head rotation relative to the trunk (neck proprioception). Ps' detection threshold of head-to-trunk rotation was normal (i.e. similar to that of Ns) across all frequencies tested. Also, with peak angular velocities above 5 degrees/s, the gain of their perception was approximately normal. When peak velocity was decreased below this value, however, either by lowering stimulus frequency with peak displacement kept constant (+/- 8 degrees) or by decreasing peak displacement at constant frequency (0.05 Hz), the gain increased above unity, unlike in Ns. In contrast, the phase remained normal (approximately 0 degree). (2) Perception of trunk rotation in space. Ps perceived their trunks as stationary during neck stimulation and all vestibular-neck combinations at medium to low frequencies. At 0.4 Hz, however, Ps consistently perceived the trunk rotation, conceivably due to somatosensory self-motion cues arising from high body acceleration. In contrast, Ns perceive a trunk-in-space rotation with the neck stimulation and most of the stimulus combinations across the whole frequency range tested. Ns perceived their trunks as stationary only during head rotation on the stationary trunk (presumed to reflect a mutual cancellation of neck and vestibular signals). (3) Perception of head rotation in space. In Ps, unlike Ns, this perception always resembled that of head rotation relative to the trunk. (4) When Ps were presented with a visual or somatosensory space reference (not motion cues), their perception of trunk and head rotation in space became approximately normal. (5) We suggest that there are basically two changes in the neck-induced self-motion perception associated with chronic vestibular loss. First, neck proprioception shows a non-linear gain that overemphasizes low stimulus velocities, for unknown reasons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The role of early versus late removal of GTAM membranes on bone formation at oral implants placed into immediate extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of early versus late removal of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes on bone formation at oral implants. Thirty Brånemark fixtures were placed into immediate extraction sockets with buccal bone dehiscences augmented by e-PTFE membranes. At 4 weeks, the membranes and underlying soft tissues were removed from 5 implants, but at 16 sites only the membranes were extirpated. In 9 sites, the membranes remained in place during the healing period. Sixteen weeks after fixture insertion, the sites in which the membrane was retained (MRET) showed an average of 5.2 mm of clinical bone height increase (100% of bone fill). For sites where the membrane together with underlying soft tissues were removed (MRB), the corresponding value was 2.0 mm (42% of bone fill). Implants at which only the membrane was removed (MR) showed the least clinical bone height increase (1.0 mm), resulting in 21% coverage of original threads. Histometric measurements verified that the MRET sites had the least distance from the top of the fixture to the newly formed bone level (0.4 mm). However, in contrast with the clinical findings, the histometric analyses showed that the MRB group had the greatest remaining bone defect (3.3 mm). The clinical and histometric results of the MRET group were statistically better, though, compared with those of the other two groups. Biopsies, removed from beneath the membranes, revealed slightly inflamed connective tissue, containing spicules of newly formed bone, indicating that more bone might have been created if the membranes had been retained longer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed1993

First experiences with a multichannel software gradiometer recording normal and tangential components of MEG.

We describe a 28-channel magnetometer that operates as a 22-channel 'software gradiometer'. Gradiometer function is achieved by subtraction of weighted signals representing the noise field along three orthogonal axes as detected by six compensation channels. The instrument measures both normal and tangential field components; the user can select a total of 22 normal and/or tangential measuring sites from two arrays of 16 sites each. First experiences indicate that the combination of a shielded room with a software suppression of the residual field entering the room is amply sufficient to allow biomagnetic measurements in a hospital environment.

Brain Mapping↗
PubMed1993

Clinical and prognostic effect of a positive granulocyte scan in infective endocarditis.

Thirty patients with clinical signs of infective endocarditis and pathologic echocardiographic findings indicating vegetations underwent scanning with In-111 or Tc-99m hexamethylpropylene amineoxime (HMPAO) labeled granulocytes. Blood cultures were positive in 60% of the patients. The other cases were negative as a result of antibiotic pretreatment. The results of scintigraphy were correlated with the subsequent clinical course, and in 20 cases with data obtained by histologic examination of the valves. With regard to the degree of the inflammatory process, the nuclear medical procedure provided the following results: true-positive in 6 cases, false-positive in 1 case, true-negative in 19 cases, and false-negative in 3 cases. In this study, positive granulocyte scans correlate with high activity of the inflammatory process and predict a poor prognosis for the patients concerned.

Echocardiography↗
PubMed1993

Comparison of 99Tcm-labelled specific murine anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies and nonspecific human immunoglobulin for imaging inflamed joints in rheumatoid arthritis.

Inflamed joints in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be imaged employing 99Tcm-labelled anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). These MAbs recognize the CD4 molecule expressed on T-helper cells and, with a lower density, on macrophages, which are both abundantly present in RA inflammatory infiltrates. However, it is at present unclear whether specific binding to target molecules in the inflamed joint determines the joint uptake of anti-CD4 MAbs, i.e. whether the uptake of anti-CD4 MAbs differs from that of control immunoglobulins with irrelevant specificity. Eight patients with severe, active RA were examined after intravenous injection of a 99Tcm-labelled murine anti-human CD4 MAb (MAX.16H5; 200-300 micrograms, 370-550 MBq) or polyclonal human immunoglobulin (HIG; Technescan, MDH-67, Mallinckrodt Diagnostica; 1 mg, 370 MBq); five patients received both the anti-CD4 MAb and HIG. Whole body and joint scans in anterior and posterior views were obtained 1, 4 and 24 h after injection. As early as 4 h after injection, the anti-human CD4 MAb showed a higher target-to-background ratio in arthritic knee and elbow joints in comparison to polyclonal HIG used for conventional imaging, indicating that that anti-CD4 MAb allows more specific detection of inflammatory infiltrates rich in CD4-positive cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Periodontal regeneration updated.

Techniques in treating periodontal disease are discussed to provide insight about which technique fits each clinical situation. New developments provide possible regeneration of new cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, resulting in a new periodontal attachment.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Treatment of mandibular 3-wall intrabony defects by flap debridement and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene barrier membranes. Long-term evaluation of 32 treated patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healing potential of deep, primarily 3-wall intrabony defects which were treated by flap debridement and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes and followed for extended time periods. All of the treated defects were in the mandibular arch. Thirty-two patients were treated and re-examined at an average of 3 years 5 months. Twenty-four of these patients had re-entry procedures at the second examination. Sixteen of these patients were examined a third time at an average of 4 years 3 months. The patients were evaluated for changes in probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), recession, changes in crestal resorption, and defect bone fill. The paired t-test for related samples was used to test for differences between examinations. Between Exams 1 and 2 there was a statistically significant reduction of pocket depth (3.8 mm), gain in clinical attachment level (4.2 mm), and an increase in recession (-1.2 mm). For the 24 patients who had re-entry procedures there was an average defect fill of 4.3 mm (P < 0.0001) and 0.33 mm of crestal resorption (P < 0.0001). The 16 patients who were examined 3 times sustained decreases in PD, gains in CAL, and recession recorded at the second examination. These changes were statistically significant at Exam 3. The results of this study demonstrate that deep, 3-wall intrabony defects treated by debridement and ePTFE barrier membranes will have significant decreases in PD, gains in CAL, recession, decreases in crestal resorption, and gains in bone fill.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alveolar Bone Loss↗
PubMed1993

Schistosomiasis and intestinal parasites in rural villages in southwest Nigeria: an indication for expanded programme on drug distribution and integrated control programme in Nigeria.

A cross sectional survey of schistosomiasis, intestinal parasite infections and pattern of schistosomiasis transmission was undertaken in four rural villages around the Erinle dam, Nigeria. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium ranged from 10% to 60%. 30% of infected school children excreted over 50 eggs/10 ml urine and high rates of haematuria, proteinuria, leucocyturia and nitrites in urine were observed in infected children and the villagers. Prevalence of infection with S. mansoni ranged from 11.4% to 36.8%. Intensity of infection based on geometric mean eggs/gram of faeces ranged between 100 and 545.7 eggs/g. Malacological surveys showed that Biomphalaria pfeifferi was the predominant potential snail hosts recovered at all the contact sites. Higher infections with schistosome parasites were also recorded for B. pfeifferi than Bulinus globosus. The pattern of transmission of schistosomiasis by the snails is consistent and makes incorporation of community-based focal application of a molluscicide such as Tetrapleura tetraptera in integrated control of schistosomiasis feasible in the area. Prevalence and intensity with Ascaris lumbricoides was high. The highest prevalence was 68.9% while the highest intensity of infection was 2,440.9 eggs/gram of faeces. Multiple infections occured with various combinations of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, S. haematobium, Fasciola gigantica, S. mansoni, and Entamoeba histolytica (as double, triple or quadruple infections). The results suggest an integrated approach to the control of schistosomiasis and intestinal parasites in this part of the country.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Heterogeneity of insulin receptors in rat tissues as detected with the partial agonist B29,B29'-suberoyl-insulin.

Using the insulin receptor partial agonist B29,B29'-suberoyl-insulin, a covalently dimerized insulin derivative, we previously demonstrated a heterogeneity of signal transduction by insulin receptors in two cell systems. The present study was designed to characterize the heterogeneity of insulin receptors in different rat tissues with this agent. Binding of 125I-insulin to insulin receptors and its inhibition by B29,B29'-suberoyl-insulin or by unlabeled insulin were assayed in plasma membranes from brain, spleen, adipocytes, and liver. IC50 values of B29,B29'-suberoyl-insulin were different in all tissues investigated (brain < spleen < adipocytes < liver). In contrast, IC50 values of insulin were identical, with the exception of spleen membranes (spleen < brain = adipocytes = liver). Furthermore, the IC50 ratios (B29 dimer/insulin) were significantly different, ranging from 0.7 (brain) to 12.8 (liver). Solubilization and partial purification of insulin receptors failed to abolish the marked difference between brain and liver (IC50 ratios of 1.8 and 7.1, respectively). The apparent molecular masses of the alpha subunits of insulin receptors, as labeled with a photoreactive insulin derivative, appeared identical in liver and spleen but were significantly lower in adipocytes and brain (liver = spleen > adipocytes > brain). The tissue-specific expression of the known insulin receptor isoforms generated by alternative splicing (insulin receptor types A and B), as assessed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with oligonucleotide primers flanking exon 11, was not correlated with the differences in the IC50 values and ratios for insulin and B29,B29'-suberoyl-insulin. Furthermore, IC50 values of both insulin and the B29 dimer were 3-fold lower in membranes from Rat1 cells overexpressing insulin receptor type A, compared with membranes with insulin receptor type B; the IC50 ratios were identical. No additional alternative splicing of insulin receptor mRNA was found by polymerase chain reaction amplification and digestion with HaeIII and AluI of seven overlapping domains of the receptor alpha subunit. These data suggest a heterogeneity of insulin receptors in rat tissues that is unrelated to alternative splicing of the insulin receptor gene.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1993

Joint uptake and body distribution of a technetium-99m-labeled anti-rat-CD4 monoclonal antibody in rat adjuvant arthritis.

Joint uptake and body distribution of a 99mTc-labeled monoclonal antibody (Mab) to the rat CD4 molecule (W3/25; IgG1) were investigated after intravenous injection in normal rats and in animals with experimentally induced adjuvant arthritis. An isotype-matched Mab with irrelevant specificity (anti-human carcino-embryonic-antigen) was used as control. A 4 hr sequential gamma-camera imaging revealed that both anti-CD4 and control Mab accumulated to a higher degree in arthritic than in normal ankle joints; the accumulation was comparable for the two Mabs. In contrast to the inflamed joints, a specific accumulation of the anti-CD4 Mab was found in organs rich in CD4-positive cells, i.e. spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes, as assessed by direct well counter measurements 16 hr after injection. The control Mab displayed no preferential organ accumulation in either normal or diseased animals. These results indicate that a specific accumulation of anti-CD4 Mabs occurs in CD4-positive-cell-rich tissues in both normal and diseased animals and that immunoglobulins accumulate preferentially in inflamed joints regardless of their antibody specificity.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Spectral analysis of EEG during self-paced movements: differences between untreated schizophrenics and normal controls.

Thirteen untreated schizophrenic patients, among them nine who had never been treated, were compared with a corresponding number of matched normal controls with regard to changes of the spectral composition of the electroencephalogram (EEG) accompanying voluntary movements. Triggered by self-paced movements of the right fingers (fast fist closure), the spectral composition of three epochs was analyzed: (1) rest (2,5-1,5 sec before movement), (2) movement preparation (last sec before movement onset), and (3) movement execution (1st sec following movement onset). For frequencies above 6 Hz, marked differences between schizophrenics and controls were evident, in particular over the parietal electrodes. Whereas patients exhibited a clear decrease of power density during movement as compared to rest, controls showed only a small decrease (left and mid parietal) or virtually none (only right parietal). Consequently there were significant differences over the right parietal area (P4) between patients and controls in the theta, alpha- and beta-bands with regard to the mean power density and center frequencies of these bands. Also at parietal positions, schizophrenics lacked the enhancement of theta-power during the preparatory epoch that was characteristic for normal controls at all parietal positions. The results are discussed with regard to the well-known disturbances of voluntary motor behavior in schizophrenia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The identification of leaf thionin as one of the main jasmonate-induced proteins of barley (Hordeum vulgare).

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its methyl ester (JA-Me) are able to introduce the accumulation of several specific polypeptides in cut leaf segments of barley. Two of the most prominent JA-induced proteins of M(r) 15,000 and 23,000 have been characterized by isolating and sequencing complete cDNA sequences. While the sequence of the M(r) 23,000 polypeptide shows no similarity to published sequences, the sequence of the M(r) 15,000 polypeptide corresponds to the higher-molecular-weight precursor of a leaf thionin previously characterized. Transcripts for the M(r) 23,000 and M(r) 15,000 polypeptides accumulate in leaf segments shortly after the beginning of JA treatment. JA and JA-Me induce the appearance of the two proteins not only in leaf segments but also in intact barley seedlings. However, in seedlings the accumulation of JA-induced proteins occurs much more slowly and requires high concentrations of volatile JA-Me. Thus, in barley it seems unlikely that volatile JA-Me is involved in the interaction between different members of this species, as has been proposed recently for tomato seedlings.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Role of vestibular and neck inputs for the perception of object motion in space.

UNLABELLED: The contribution of vestibular and neck inputs to the perception of visual object motion in space was studied in the absence of a visual background (in the dark) in normal human subjects (Ss). Measures of these contributions were obtained by means of a closed loop nulling procedure; Ss fixed their eyes on a luminous spot (object) and nulled its actual or apparent motion in space during head rotation in space (vestibular stimulus) and/or trunk rotation relative to the head (neck stimulus) with the help of a joystick. Vestibular and neck contributions were expressed in terms of gain and phase with respect to the visuo-oculomotor/joystick feedback loop which was assumed to have almost ideal transfer characteristics. The stimuli were applied as sinusoidal rotations in the horizontal plane (f = 0.025-0.8 Hz; peak angular displacements, 1-16 degrees). RESULTS: (1) During vestibular stimulation, Ss perceived the object, when kept in fixed alignment with the moving body, as moving in space. However, they underestimated the object motion; the gain was only about 0.7 at 0.2-0.8 Hz and clearly decreased at lower stimulus frequencies, while the phase exhibited a small lead. (2) During pure neck stimulation (trunk rotating relative to the stationary head), the object, when stationary, appeared to move in space counter to the trunk excursion. This neck-contingent object motion illusion was small at 0.2-0.8 Hz, but increased considerably with decreasing frequency, while its phase developed a small lag. (3) Vestibular, neck, and visuo-oculomotor effects summed linearly during combined stimulations. (4) The erroneous vestibular and neck contributions to the object motion perception were complementary to each other, and the perception became about veridical (G approximately 1, phi approximately 0 degree), when both inputs were combined during head rotation with the trunk stationary. The results are simulated by an extended version of a computer model that previously had been developed to describe vestibular and neck effects on human perception of head motion in space. In the model, the perception of object motion in space is derived from the superposition of three signals, representing "object to head" (visuo-oculomotor; head coordinates), "head on trunk" (neck; trunk coordinates), and "trunk in space" (vestibular-neck interaction; space coordinates).

Humans↗