Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W Künzel

Publications and source records attributed to W Künzel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Influenza vaccination in liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The immunogenicity of the trivalent inactivated influenza split virus vaccine (Infusplit SSW 97/98) containing A/Bayern/07/95 (H1N1)-like (A/Johannesburg/82/96 [NIB-39]), A/Wuhan/359/95 (H3N2)-like (A/Nanchang/933/95 [Resvir-0]), and B/Beijing/184/93-like (B/Harbin/7/94) hemagglutinin antigens was tested in liver transplant recipients (TXL-R). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Serum antibody titers were determined 21+/-2 days after a single vaccination in 62 adult TXL-R and 59 adult volunteers. RESULTS: Protective postimmunization antibody titers for the three antigens were similar in TXL-R (protection rates 92%, 92%, and 95%) and the comparison group (97%, 100%, and 100%). Adverse reactions were mild and less frequent in TXL-R. A significant decrease of CD8+CD38+ lymphocytes after vaccination was found in TXL-R. No association between antibody response and age, gender, time interval since transplantation, anti-hepatitis B surface antigen immunoprophylaxis, or immunosuppressive medication was detected. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the vaccine is safe and effective and should be recommended to TXL-R.

ADP-ribosyl Cyclase↗
PubMed1999

[The Chemnitz Pathologic-Hygienic Institute and its leader from 1898 to 1998].

The 100-year-history of Pathological Anatomy in Chemnitz is described by edification and fall of its buildings as well as the main dates of its leaders. From these the founder of the institute Coelestin Nauwerck, his most important disciple Martin Staemmler and the newfounder after the 2nd world war Walther Panofsky are especially mentioned. The article also refers to the involvement of Staemmler in Nazism and the injury done to Panofsky by it. The importance of the microbiological-hygienical departure during a long period is accented.

Academies and Institutes↗
PubMed1999

[Anatomic features of the carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatuw), compared with the domestic cat (Felis catus)].

The anatomy of the carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was examined in seven specimens using dissection and corrosion casts as well as radiography, and compared to well-known data of the domestic cat (Felis catus). It was found that in the cheetah, as in the domestic cat, the intermedioradial, ulnar and accessory carpal bones, as well as the first, second, third and fourth carpal bones and the sesamoid bone of the abductor pollicis longus muscle, develop in a regular manner. The bones had a similar shape and the ligamentous apparatus was comparable, the most striking differences being the connection of all compartments of the joint cavity and the mediocarpal joint, working as a screw joint. The syndesmosis between the intermedioradial and ulnar carpal bones, instead of a synovial connection, is another adaptation for stabilization of the carpus of the cheetah during locomotion. The joint capsule is little spacious and in all three recesses can be differentiated. The first extends proximally palmar the ulnar carpal bone between the styloid process of the ulna and the accessory carpal bone, the second also extends proximally mediopalmar of the intermedioradial bone, and the largest third recess is located on the dorsal surface and extends proximally, laterally to the inserting tendon of the extensor carpi radialis muscle.

Acinonyx↗
PubMed1998

[Anatomic and radiographic examination of the shoulder joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)].

Anatomical structures of shoulder joints of five adult cheetahs were examined by dissection, corrosion casts and radiography. The bones, capsules and auxiliary synovial devices were described, as well as ligaments and adjacent muscles. The cheetah shoulder has many similarities with the shoulder joint of the domestic cat, but also considerable differences. Proper osteological features were the large supraglenoid tubercle, the caudally directed coracoid process and the extension of the articular surface of the scapula to the lateral area of the supraglenoid tubercle. On the proximal end of the humerus the width of the head of humerus, the facet of infraspinatus muscle as a shallow cavity with the insertion of the infraspinatus muscle around it and two raised roughnesses on the proximal end of the tricipital line for the insertions of the lateral glenohumeral ligament and the teres minor muscle were noticeable. The insertion of the joint capsule was mainly on the glenoid labrum, only in part of the articular surface on the lateral area of the supraglenoid tubercle laterally on the scapula. The joint capsule formed a supra- and infraspinatus recess laterally, an intertubercular tendon sheet for the biceps brachii muscle cranially, and a bipartited subscapular recess medially. An extracapsular transverse ligament passing the intertubercular groove, a laterally capsular strengthening--called lateral glenohumeral ligament--and an intracapsular medial glenohumeral ligament could be found. The latter one was joined to the capsule by a mesoligament, dividing the subscapular recess into two pouches.

Acinonyx↗
PubMed1998

[Anatomic characteristics pf the elbow joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)].

Anatomical structures of elbow joints of six cheetahs were examined by dissection, corrosion casts and radiography. As a result, it was observed that the distal end of humerus is divided into the trochlea humeri for articulation with the ulna and the capitulum humeri for articulation with the radius. As the trochlea humeri is posed oblique and looks like a disc-shaped cone sector, flexion. Flexion of elbow joint is always combined with adduction of the distal parts of the limb, and, respectively, extension with abduction. The cylindrical but also in sagittal direction convex capitulum humeri enables the head of the radius all movements on a spheric sector. Furthermore, advantageous preconditions for rotation in the proximal radioulnar joint are the mighty medical coronoid process, the displacement of the radial tuberosity to the caudal surface of the radius and the insertion of the biceps brachii muscle exclusively on this elevation of the radius. Limiting factors are the insertions of collateral ligaments at the antebrachial skeleton. The lateral collateral ligament inserts only on the radius, the medial collateral ligament mainly on the ulna. The radial anular ligament directly connects the two coronoid processes of the ulna and moreover is intracapsular. The joint capsule is common for both the cubital and the proximal radioulnar joint and five pouches could be described. These were between the lateral epicondyle of humerus and the olecranon, underneath the tendon of origin of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, cranially in the bend of the elbow joint, between the head of the radius and the tendon of origin of supinator muscle and the lateral part of radial anular ligament, just as between the medial epicondyle of humerus and the tendons of origin of flexor muscles of the forearm.

Acinonyx↗
PubMed1998

Intrauterine fetal death during pregnancy: limitations of fetal surveillance.

OBJECTIVE: Perinatal statistics in Germany have shown that fetal death during pregnancy remained unchanged during the past 12 years. The question arises whether the quality of prenatal care can be improved and contributing factors to ante partum mortality (APM) reduced. METHODS: The perinatal data base from Hesse was evaluated for 1990-1995. It comprises 347,463 deliveries in a population based survey from the state of Hesse/Germany. Antepartum death occurred in 1,133 cases (0.33%). Pregnancy care was evaluated in a longitudinal investigation analysed from 1982 to 1995. RESULTS: Fetal surveillance showed during the past years a steady improvement demonstrated by the number antenatal visits of more than 10: it rose from 54 to 75%, by the CTG recordings ante partum: it increased from 55 to 90% and ultrasound examinations more than 5: it rose from 12 to 26%. Despite the increase of ante partum care fetal death during pregnancy remained constant since 1985 at 0.5 to 0.6%. Malformations contribute to APM in 8.3%. In 44.4% various risk factors could be identified, whereas in 47.4% no causes could be shown. Special risk factors are hydramnios, diabetes, placenta praevia, multiple pregnancy, IUGR and others. Fetal death occurs preferentially during the last weeks of pregnancy with a maximum at 40 weeks of gestation. Social burden and insufficient prenatal care are contributing factors to APM. CONCLUSION: APM can still be improved by using simple clinical estimates and by defined application of surveillance tools at present available.

Female↗
PubMed1998

[Radiologically detectable changes in the radial annular ligament and the supinator muscle of the domestic cat (Felis catus)].

Elbow joints of a random sample of 59 cats were investigated by means of X-rays and dissection as well as histologically and by making cuts through synthetic resin-embedded joints. Bone-dense shadow craniolateral to the elbow joint was observed in X-ray images of 23 limbs (about 20%). Furthermore 8 of these 23 elbow joints (about 7%) showed signs of arthrotic alteration. Histologic examination revealed one or more centers of metaplasia of varying status of development of the annular ligament of the radius. Alterations varied from chondroid metaplasia to mineralisation and ossification. They turned out to be located in the area where the annular ligament of the radius crosses the tendon of origin of the supinator muscle and are considered to be a reaction of tough connective tissue to mechanical stress. Compressive forces seem to be less responsible than tensile stress. As soon as bone-dense shadow is observed in X-ray images, alterations have grown so far as the annular ligament of the radius as well as the tendon of origin of the supinator muscle are affected.

Aging↗
PubMed1998

[Gameprost, sulproston and dinoproston for induced abortion in the 15th-24th week of pregnancy].

In a randomized, prospective study at the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Hospital of Giessen 4 different ways of inducing abortions with prostaglandins were tested between the 15th and 24th week of gestation. The aim of the study was to determine the best approach to inducing abortion in order to minimize the psychological and physical stress to the patient. Subjects randomized to the first two groups got a single cervical installation of either 0.5 mg Dinoprostongel (Prepidil, N = 22) or 0.5 mg Sulprostongel (Nalador, N = 21). Six hours later, i.v. infusion with Sulproston (8.3 micrograms/min) was started and continued until the abortion was complete. Patients randomized to the third and fourth group received either 0.5 mg Dinoprostongel intracervically (N = 15) or 1 mg Gemeprost vaginal suppositories (Cergem, N = 21) every 6 hours until the cervix was 1-2 cm dilated. Subsequently the patients received an i.v. infusion with Sulproston until the abortion was complete. In the first group with intracervical application of Sulproston the total time until abortion was 17.8 h +/- 7.8 h. This was shorter than following a single application of Dinoprostongel (22.5 h +/- 14.7 h). Although there was a five hours difference, the between-group differences were not statistically different because of a wide range in values following Dinoproston treatment. This range could not be explained by the age of the mother, week of gestation or parity. In the group receiving multiple intracervical applications of Dinoproston the time till expulsion was twice as long as that after multiple vaginal suppositories of Gemeprost (33.8 h +/- 13.9 h vs. 15.6 +/- 6.0 h, p < 0.01). The time span until a cervical dilatation of 1-2 cm was 27.0 h +/- 13.7 h in the group with repeated Dinoproston application. This period of time was more than twice the time span seen in the group with repeated Gemeprost application (12.5 h +/- 4.2 h, p < 0.01). On the average four treatments with intracervical Dinoprostongel were required while the average with Gemeprost vaginal suppositories was two to achieve a cervical dilatation of 1-2 cm. Furthermore in 7 of 21 cases treatment with Gemeprost achieved the expulsion of the fetus without Sulproston infusion (11.4 h +/- 5.2 h). Comparing single versus repetitive prostaglandin application we could demonstrate that the duration of Sulproston infusion was cut in half after repeated therapy with Gemeprost. We conclude that repetitive application of Gemeprost vaginal suppositories decreases the time to abortion and subject discomfort tremendously. The application of Gemeprost suppositories provides the easiest and most efficient therapeutic approach for both patients and staff. Furthermore the regiment that provided the best results was also the most cost-effective (range 180,-DM to 317,- DM per case).

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗
PubMed1997

Maternal plasma fibronectin: a predictor of preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Current opinion holds that there are several distinct groups among patients with preterm labour: one of them is characterized by bacterial infection, another one by the presence of placental vascular abnormalities with endothelial damage. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma fibronectin, a suspected biochemical marker of endothelial damage, as an indicator for pregnancies with a high risk of preterm delivery. METHODS: Plasma fibronectin levels were measured in patients with preterm labour (n = 80) and in healthy pregnant women with uncomplicated (control) pregnancies (n = 64) between the 22nd and 36th week of gestation. Furthermore, the plasma concentrations of fibronectin in 15 newborns at term and ten babies born preterm were measured to study the relationship between preterm delivery and plasma fibronectin concentration in newborns. Fibronectin was measured by nephelometry. RESULTS: The mean concentration of fibronectin in patients with preterm labour was 0.44 g/l (S.D., 0.15) vs. 0.25 g/l (S.D., 0.12) in uncomplicated control pregnancies matched for gestational age. In control patients who actually delivered at term, fibronectin values were found to be lower than in control patients who underwent preterm delivery (0.25 g/l; S.D., 0.05; vs. 0.46 g/l; S.D., 0.15; P < 0.05). Particularly high values were detected in patients with preterm labour delivering before 32 weeks of gestation (0.60 g/l; S.D., 0.16). There was no significant difference between fibronectin concentrations in the umbilical arterial and venous blood of premature infants and mature infants. Leucocyte concentration, bacteriological smear and cervical dilatation did not correlate with fibronectin concentrations in patients with preterm delivery or controls. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the higher plasma concentrations of fibronectin in women with preterm labour may be a biochemical marker and a predictor of preterm delivery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Peri/intraventricular haemorrhage: a cranial ultrasound study on 5286 neonates.

OBJECTIVE: We launched a prospective cranial ultrasound study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Giessen. In this study we examined the incidence and severity of brain damage in neonates and related them to various obstetrical risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: More than 90% of all neonates born between 1984 and 1988 were included in the study (n = 5286) and were screened by ultrasound for cerebral abnormalities on 5-8 days post-partum. The relation between the incidence of peri/intraventricular haemorrhages (PIVH) and obstetrical risk factors were analyzed by contingency tables. RESULTS: The most frequent abnormality was PIVH (3.6%) of various degrees (grade I-III). Periventricular leucomalacia, porencephalia, subarachnoidal haemorrhages, and hydrocephali were rare (< or = 0.2%). The incidence of PIVH increased progressively with decreasing gestational age, e.g. from 1.6% at 38-43 weeks up to 50.0% at 24-30 weeks of gestation. A large percentage of babies with PIVH were clinically normal. In immature neonates there was a close inverse relationship between Apgar score at 1, 5 and 10 min and both incidence and severity of PIVH. This was in contrast to findings in mature neonates where a marked increase in the incidence of PIVH was found only with Apgar scores as low as 0-4 points. The relation between the incidence of PIVH and both cardiotocography and arterial cord blood pH was poor, independent of the gestational age. The incidence of PIVH was increased in growth retarded fetuses (pH < or = 7.29), premature rupture of membranes, fever sub partu and gestosis. It is interesting to note that in mature fetuses there was no difference in the incidence of PIVH between vaginally delivered (0.8%) and sectioned breech presentations (2.1%). In preterms at 35-37 weeks with prolonged labour and secondary cesarean section, the incidence of PIVH was very high (11.2%). CONCLUSION: From the present study we conclude that the incidence of PIVH especially in immature neonates is highly associated with low Apgar scores at birth. Since the Apgar score reflects the clinical condition and the degree of circulatory centralisation of neonates that is influenced by various ante- and intranatal risk factors, a protective obstetrical management is necessary to reduce the incidence of PIVH in neonates.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1997

Rise and fall of caries prevalence in German towns with different F concentrations in drinking water.

The rise and fall of caries prevalence (DMFT) and its relation to changing F concentration of drinking water and other health-related factors is analysed based on dental findings of more than 286,000 subjects of either sex (6-15 years old) from the two industrial towns Chemnitz and Plauen. Water fluoridation (1.0 +/- 0.1 ppm F) was implemented in Chemnitz (formerly Karl-Marx-Stadt) in 1959. It was in operation until autumn 1990 with an interruption lasting 22 months around the year 1971. In the F-poor town of comparison, Plauen, 55% of the citizens were supplied with F-enriched drinking water (0.9 ppm F) during the years 1972-1984. Another 20% received F-containing mixed water (0.4-0.7 ppm F). During the first three decades of the study the level of caries prevalence was strictly correlated with the availability of an optimal caries preventive F concentration in the drinking water. Water fluoridation was followed by a decrease of caries, and interruptions in fluoridation were followed by increasing caries levels. A different caries trend was observed in the years from 1987 to 1995. There was a significant caries decrease down to the lowest DMFT (2.0) since 1959 in spite of the fact that only F-poor water was available over years in both towns. This improvement of oral health is explained by changes in caries-preventive and environmental conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Caries decline in Germany--causes and consequences].

The reunification of the two German states has resulted in social transformations in Eastern Germany after 1990, in the wake of which disadvantageous effects on oral health were to be expected. Contrary to the predicted caries increase, a caries decline in the juvenile population could be proven by epidemiological comparative studies (n = 50612) (decrease between 1983-1989 and 1993-1995 by 34.2%). The caries decline is probably caused by a broader availability of fluorides, a high level of individual dental curative and preventive care (fissure sealings) and by changed oral health behaviour and nutritional habits. Reference is made to a possible tangent between a high level of antibiotics consumption and the virulence of oral pathogenic streptococci.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Kinetics of humoral antibody response to trivalent inactivated split influenza vaccine in subjects previously vaccinated or vaccinated for the first time.

We studied differences in immune responses after first time immunization with a trivalent inactivated split influenza vaccine, or after vaccination in the preceding year, in 42 healthy volunteers (40 +/- 13 years). Sequential serum samples were collected over 40 weeks. Previously vaccinated volunteers exhibited 40-92% protective antibody levels in their prevaccination sera. Subjects vaccinated for the first time had higher response rates and meanfold antibody increases than those vaccinated previously. Both groups had protective antibody titres 59% 7 days after vaccination and 70% of vaccinees maintained protective antibody titres after 280 days. The results corroborate earlier findings on the rapid immune response and may have a bearing on future vaccination policy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Blood pH in the umbilical artery at birth: an analysis of data from patients delivered in Hesse between 1986 and 1989.

OBJECTIVE: Measuring blood pH in the umbilical artery at birth is an important means of maintaining obstetrical quality. Consideration of the interrelations between low umbilical blood pH and perinatal risk factors may enable obstetricians to provide better care of the mother and child during pregnancy and delivery. We therefore studied the incidence of measuring blood pH at birth, the distribution and normal range of umbilical blood pH at birth, and the correlation between umbilical blood pH and pre-, sub-, and postnatal risk factors in patients delivered in Hesse between 1986 and 1989. SUBJECTS: Over this period 2053 women were delivered between 30 and 32 weeks and 128,654 between 39 and 41 weeks of gestation. Each of these two groups was further subdivided according to the mode of delivery (spontaneous vaginal delivery; operative vaginal delivery; Cesarean section). Of the patients delivered between 39 and 41 weeks of gestation, 24,315 had exhibited no risk factors during pregnancy or delivery. RESULTS: The overall incidence of measuring umbilical blood pH at birth was about 70%, whereas pH measurements were taken in only 60% of preterm babies delivered vaginally. The percentage of preterm neonates with an umbilical blood pH < 7.10 was considerably higher than that of term fetuses (5.0% vs. 1.3%). Of the neonates born of women displaying no risk factors during pregnancy and delivery, 22.4% had an umbilical blood pH < or = 7.25. In patients delivered at term hardly any correlation was found between prenatal risk factors and umbilical blood pH. This contrasted to the situation in patients delivered between 30 and 32 weeks of gestation. In most subgroups a close correlation could be demonstrated between umbilical blood pH and both sub- and postnatal risk factors. No correlation was detected between umbilical blood pH and perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION: In view of the aim of maintaining and improving obstetrical quality in Hesse, the incidence of measuring umbilical blood pH at birth should be increased, especially in preterm fetuses. Since 22.4% of all babies from patients exhibiting no risk factors during pregnancy and delivery had an umbilical blood pH < or = 7.25, we have to reflect once again on the range of 'normal' umbilical blood pH at birth. Consideration of the various interrelations between umbilical blood pH and pre-, sub-, and postnatal risk factors demonstrated in this study may enable obstetricians to reduce the incidence of severely compromised fetuses at birth.

Delivery, Obstetric↗
PubMed1996

Maternal and perinatal health in Mali, Togo and Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: The health care system in many developing countries is less efficient compared with that in the industrialized world. The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences of the efficiency of the health care in obstetrics in Nigeria, Mali and Togo. STUDY DESIGN: The data were collected in African district hospitals from Lomé/Togo (n = 1002), Bamako/Mali (n = 1462) and Kaduna/Nigeria (n = 1055) with a routinely applied questionnaire analyzed at the University Giessen and compared with the data from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Giessen (Germany) (referral hospital) (n = 1313) and the total data pool of the perinatal survey 1993 in Hesse (n = 58430). RESULTS: The medical history indicates important differences: the incidence of young mothers below 18 is highest in Mali (9.8%) compared with Nigeria (2.7%) and Togo (2.6%) (Hesse 0.6%). In general there is an increased rate of previous pregnancies of more than five: 13-28% (Hesse 2.1%). The rate of prenatal visits is also reduced: more than ten visits have 2% in Togo, 10.6% in Mali and 15.5% in Nigeria (Hesse 72%). Ultrasound examinations are very rare (1-12%) and tocolysis is nearly unknown. As a result the incidence of dead infants in the medical history is high: Mali 28%, Togo 18%, Nigeria 10.8% (Hesse 1.7%), as well as the rate of low birth weight infants. This is also reflected in the perinatal mortality which ranged from 115/1000 in Mali, 77/1000 in Togo and 68/1000 in Nigeria (Hesse 5.3/1000, Ob/Gyn Giessen 16.4/1000). CONCLUSION: The improvement of perinatal and maternal health in the developing world can only be achieved if family planning, prenatal care, selection of high risk pregnancies goes in parallel with a sound organization implemented and supported by the government.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed1996

Age and reproductive status affect basal venous tone in the rat.

OBJECTIVE: Changes in venous tone alter vessel diameter and capacitance of veins. These alterations may be induced by the steroid hormonal milieu. Therefore, our question was whether venous tone differs between estrous cycle, pregnancy and old rats. STUDY DESIGN: Mesenteric veins from young, pregnant and old Sprague-Dawley rats were dissected and cannulated in a venograph system with a continous readout of pressure-dependent lumen diameter. RESULTS: During estrous cycle venous tone was increased in metestrous (P < 0.05), whereas it was decreased in all old rats (P < 0.05). There was higher venous tone in pregnant animals compared to controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Venous tone exhibits marked differences during rat estrous cycle. It is increased during pregnancy and decreased in old rats.

Aging↗
PubMed1996

Trends in caries experience of 12-year-old children in east European countries.

This paper reviews published data on the caries experience of 12-year-old children in east European countries, including the 14 states of the former Soviet Union. With the exception of the Czech Republic (2.7) all DMFT indices in the east European countries were within the range of 3.1 (Bulgaria) to 5.1 (Poland). For the states of the former Soviet Union the DMFT indices were higher in the northern regions (range 3.3 in Belorussia to 7.7 in Latvia) than in the southern regions (1.2 in Tadzikistan to 3.1 in Kirgizia). Other than in southern states of the former Soviet Union, 'low' or 'moderate' caries experience (by WHO criteria) were found only in countries with developed oral health care systems. In most of the other countries implementation of oral health promotion and prevention at the community level is needed.

Child↗