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Biomedical subjects

W Becker

Publications and source records attributed to W Becker.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

Contents of essential and toxic mineral elements in Swedish market-basket diets in 1987.

Market baskets containing sixty food items included in the average Swedish diet were purchased from three shops in four major Swedish cities during autumn 1987. Food items were selected on the basis of food-balance-sheet data. Freeze-dried homogenates representative of each city were analysed for twelve essential or toxic mineral elements. The energy content of the market baskets (11.5 MJ) corresponded to the reference value for male adults. At this energy level the contents of calcium (1180 mg), magnesium (300 mg), iron (16 mg), zinc (12 mg) and selenium (44 micrograms) were above or close to the Swedish recommended daily intakes. The contents of manganese (3.7 mg) and molybdenum (150 micrograms) were within and that of copper (1.2 mg) was below the safe and adequate intake values given in the US recommended dietary allowance (Food and Nutrition Board, National Research Council, 1989). The content of nickel was 82 micrograms. The contents of lead (17 micrograms), cadmium (12 micrograms) and mercury (1.8 micrograms) in the daily diet were low compared with the provisional tolerable intakes set by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (World Health Organization, 1972, 1989). The market-basket contents of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn calculated from values in the Swedish food composition tables were close to the analysed values, indicating that the Swedish food tables provide relevant information for the estimation of the dietary supply of these elements.

Cadmium↗

A comparison of normal and tangential magnetic field component measurements in biomagnetic investigations.

Because of the way most available hardware gradiometers are designed and in view of the prediction, by theory, that the normal magnetic field component provides all available information on the intrinsic current source, MEG and MCG measurements generally consider only the field vector normal to the head or truck surface. However, when looking for single events, the information contained in the normal component often cannot be fully sampled, because the sensor array has limited dimensions and therefore covers only a fraction of the field's spatial extension. Simulation of a current dipole in a sphere using realistic parameters shows that there is a considerable area where the amplitude of the tangential field components is larger than that of the normal one. Measurements using a 28-channel magnetometer system with normal and tangential pick-up coils and a current dipole in a phantom model confirm this prediction; depending on dipole orientation, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) could improve by a factor of up to 20 if the total field was considered instead of only the normal component. MCG recordings with the same instrument demonstrated a broad area above the heart where the tangential SNR was clearly better than the normal one. Preliminary measurements indicate that tangential components can also be recorded in the MEG; it is suggested that they may help source localisation.

Brain↗

Serial scintigraphic imaging for visualization of passive transport processes in the human fallopian tube.

Spontaneous migration of a radionuclide tracer from the vagina to the peritoneum may be visualized by scintigraphic imaging (hysterosalpingoscintigraphy, HSS). A prospective study was designed to evaluate diagnostic criteria for normal tubal passage of a control group (n = 7) and to establish the predictive value of the HSS technique in defining functional deficiency in anatomically patent tubes. In 56 patients with tubal and unexplained infertility, a comparison between the results of the tracer migration study and of contrast hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy was made. The overall correlation was 65%. Clearly discrepant results (i.e. an abnormal migration pattern in anatomically patent tubes) were recorded in 18% and were positively, yet not significantly associated with tubal adhesive disease and with a history of tubal microsurgery. Interpretation of scans was equivocal in another 18% of patients due to undetectable ascension of the tracer to the uterus. It is suggested that the radionuclide is moved forward by the same passive transport processes which are concerned with support of the migration of spermatozoa to the ovum, and that failure of tubal migration of the tracer may render patients eligible for in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer treatment.

Adult↗

Clinical relevance of activity parameters in Crohn's disease estimated by the faecal excretion of 111In-labeled granulocytes.

The fecal excretion of 111In-oxine-labeled autologous granulocytes was determined in 58 patients with Crohn's disease. A representative analysis of the total amount of excreted cells requires a 4-day stool sampling at least in those patients suffering from Crohn's ileitis or ileocolitis. Various laboratory tests (Orosomucoid, alpha 1-antitrypsin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytes, thrombocytes, albumin, Fe, alpha 1-globulin and alpha 2-globulin) and the van Hees index significantly correlated with this specific estimate of intestinal inflammation, indicating that it is of little importance which one is clinically used for the assessment of inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease.

Adult↗

HLA-A2, or a closely linked gene, confers susceptibility to early-onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease in men.

There is a weak association between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the histocompatibility antigen HLA-A2, suggesting that A2 has either a minor role in AD or a major role in a subtype of it. To test these alternatives, we studied 54 consecutively ascertained AD patients diagnosed by NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Patients had a higher frequency of A2 than control subjects, primarily due to the elevated frequency of this antigen in men with early onset of dementia (less than or equal to 60 years): 92% of early-onset men had A2 as compared with 44% of controls. This finding suggests that A2, or a closely linked gene, confers susceptibility to early-onset AD in men. Furthermore, A2 appears to be primarily associated with sporadic AD, rather than with the familial subtype.

Age Factors↗

Guided tissue regeneration for implants placed into extraction sockets: a study in dogs.

Twelve 10 mm implants were placed into immediate extraction sockets in dogs. Six implants were isolated with PTFE membranes and 6 sites served as controls. Standardized clinical measurements were taken at test and control sites. At 18 weeks the dogs were anesthetized and flaps were laid for the purpose of obtaining clinical measurements. The average gain of bone around augmented implants was 2.6 mm, while control sites had an average bone gain of 1.0 mm. Ridge width adjacent to augmented sites increased by 1.2 mm and control sites had an increased width of 0.6 mm. Histologic evaluation of test and control specimens showed greater bone formation around augmented implants. Implants augmented with PTFE membranes had clinically significant amounts of bone regeneration when compared with controls.

Alveolar Process↗

Regeneration procedures: grafting materials, guided tissue regeneration, and growth factors.

Flap debridement, bone grafting, and guided tissue regeneration have the capacity of regenerating bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. Alloplastic materials are used to fill periodontal defects, and healing occurs by repair. While varying amounts of new bone may form with allografts, a long junctional epithelium is usually the mode of attachment. Flap debridement has been reported to successfully treat multiple walled intrabony defects. Healing results in bone regeneration. However, there is probably a long junctional epithelium adjacent to the root. Defects treated by guided tissue regeneration have been demonstrated to heal with new cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone. Recently, growth factors have been discussed as a possible means of enhancing wound healing.

Bone Transplantation↗

Embryonic development of the shell in biomphalaria glabrata (Say).

During embryogenesis of the fresh water snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say) (Pulmonata, Basommatophora) shell formation has been studied by light and electron microscopical techniques. The shell field invagination (SFI), the secretion of the first shell layers, the development of the shell-forming mantle edge gland and spindle formation have been investigated. During embryonic development at 28 degrees C environmental temperature, the shell field invaginates after 35 h. After 40 h the SFI is closed apically by cellular protrusions and scale-like precursors of the periostracum. The first electron translucent layer of the periostracum stems from electron dense vesicles of the cells which lie at the opening of the SFI. A second electron dense layer appears some hours afterwards. When the shell appears birefringent in the polarizing microscope (45 h of development) calcium can be detected in it using energy dispersive x-ray analysis. As calcification occurs the intercrystalline matrix appears under the periostracum and the SFI begins to open. In embryos of 60 h the mantle cavity appears at the left caudal side. When the mantle edge groove develops (65 h of development) lamellate units are added to the outer layer of the periostracum, but no distinct lamellar layer is formed in B. glabrata. In addition to the lamellar cell and the periostracum cell, a secretory cell can be observed in the developing groove. After 65 h of development, spindle formation starts and the shell begins to coil in a left hand spiral. After 5 days of development the embryos are ready to leave the egg capsules.

Animals↗

[Distribution of bromo[methylene-3H]acetamide in Oncomelania snails, carps, and mice].

Bromoacetamide show a high molluscicidal effect, low toxicity to fish and good solubility in water. It is a promising molluscicide. The present paper reported the distribution of bromo[methylene-3H]acetamide in Oncomelania snails, carps, and mice. Radioactivity in animals was measured by liquid scintillation counting. In Oncomelania snails the radioactivity gradually increased with exposure time and drug concentration. The highest level was found in the head-foot, reaching 12.5 x 10(3) dpm.mg-1 after exposure to the drug for 24 h, whereas the levels in liver and other tissue were 3.0 x 10(3) and 3.8 x 10(3) dpm.mg-1 respectively. Carps absorbed bromo[methylene-3H] acetamide similarly as in Oncomelania snails, but the levels in tissues were less than those in Oncomelania snails. Bromo[methylene-3H]acetamide 0.5 ml (1.4 mumol.L-1) was given ig to mice. Blood samples of 3 mice were collected at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 96 h after ig. The peak levels was found within 12 h and then declined gradually.

Acetamides↗

99mTc-labelled anti NCA-95 antibodies in prosthetic heart valve endocarditis.

A 54-y old women with earlier replacement of the mitral and aortic valves and clinical signs of localized endocarditis was studied with 99mTc-labelled anti NCA-95 antibody. Whereas echocardiographic findings were negative, increased radionuclide uptake was observed left parasternal over the mitral valve as a sign of prosthetic valve endocarditis. This result could be confirmed by a similar study with leukocytes labelled in vitro with 111In-oxine.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Principles and techniques of guided tissue regeneration.

Guided tissue regeneration is an accepted technique to promote new attachment in periodontal therapy. It is supported by sound basic research indicating that the definitive factor in the obtainment of regeneration is the source from which the cells repopulating the exposed root surface originate. These studies have indicated that cells proliferating from the periodontal ligament have the greatest potential for achieving new attachment. The use of barriers during periodontal surgery permits the possibility of periodontal ligament proliferation toward the exposed root at the same time that epithelial and gingival connective tissue proliferation is blocked. Studies in which Gore-Tex periodontal material has been used as a barrier have shown positive results in animal and clinical studies. Histologically, the formation of new cementum, bone, and periodontal ligament has been demonstrated. Clinically, beneficial results have been documented in the treatment of intrabony defects with three-wall, two- to three-wall, or funnel-shaped topography. Also, Class II furcations with or without a vertical component have been treated successfully by guided tissue regeneration.

Animals↗