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Biomedical subjects

W Straube

Publications and source records attributed to W Straube.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Does occupational nuclear power plant radiation affect conception and pregnancy?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of occupational exposure in a nuclear power plant in Griefswald, Germany on male and female fecundity. METHODS: The frequency of men and women exposed to ionizing radiation through work in a nuclear power plant among 270 infertile couples was retrospectively compared to a control fertile population using a pair-matched analysis. The total cumulative equivalent radiation dose was determined. In addition, the spermiograms of the male partners in both groups were compared and correlated to the degree of exposure. RESULTS: No differences were noted in the frequency of nuclear power plant exposure between sterile and fertile groups. There was a higher rate of anomalous spermiograms in nuclear power plant workers. However, abnormalities were temporary. No correlation was found between the cumulative equivalent radiation dose and abnormal spermiograms. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that occupational exposure due to ionizing radiation should be investigated as a possible cause for involuntary temporary sterility and as a risk factor for early pregnancy disorders.

Female↗
PubMed1994

[Passive immunotherapy with Venimmun for the prevention of habitual abortion--early pregnancy factor, placenta protein 12, placenta protein 14, tumor necrosis factor alpha--parameters for monitoring immunotherapy].

In a study it was investigated to what extent the early pregnancy factor, the placental proteins 12 and 14 and tumor necrosis factor alpha are suited to control and select patients with habitual abortions for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy shows good clinical results. Placental protein 12 ist not suited for selecting patients. Placental protein 14 shows typical changes after the application of polyvalent immunoglobulin and could be an important prognostic factor. Tumor necrosis factor alpha seems to be useful for selecting patients for immunotherapy, because in cases of habitual abortions this factor can be a sign for immunological causes. In the late phase of pregnancy, early pregnancy factor is also an indicator for disturbances of pregnancy.

Abortion, Habitual↗
PubMed1993

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) as tumour marker in two patients with trophoblastic tumour.

Two patients with a trophoblastic tumour (one with an invasive mole and one with a choriocarcinoma) had early pregnancy factor (EPF; detected by rosette inhibition test) in serum. In both cases the EPF already disappeared during surgery which suggests that EPF could be a useful and sensitive tumour marker if laboratory technology for its detection could be improved.

Abortion, Missed↗
PubMed1993

[Screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy--a pilot program in Northeast Germany].

A general serological screening of pregnant women for toxoplasmosis was carried out by means of an IgG-ELISA in Greifswald and its surroundings from October 1986 to the end of 1990. Anti-toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected in 72.8% of 4355 pregnant women. Since 1987, the prevalence of antibodies has decreased from 76% to 68%. The incidence of acquired toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was 2.53 per 1000. Seroconversion occurred in 11 women, but only 8 of them were treated with combined pyrimethamine and sulphamerazine. Despite treatment we observed 3 connatal infections. No newborn infant had clinical symptoms. With regard to the epidemiological situation, a toxoplasmosis screening is recommendable, at least in our area, from an ethical, moral, medical and economical point of view. To ensure, that toxoplasmosis screening is adequately effective, treatment of the pregnant women and their infants must be guaranteed both organisationally and professionally. It must also comprise health education measures, especially for non-immunised women to avoid the well-known main sources of infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Case observations on the significance of early pregnancy factor as a tumor marker].

At three patients who have been operated on because of completely different tumours (trophoblast tumour, endodermalsinus tumour of the right ovary and rhabdomyosarcoma as well as adrenal cortex carcinoma) pre-operatively the Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) could in each case be shown in the serum with the help of the rosette inhibition test. In two cases the EPF already intra-operatively disappeared from the serum. In the third case it could be found until the second day after operation. Since that patient suffered from two histogenetically non-related malignant tumours it was not possible to trace whether the adrenal cortex carcinoma or the rhabdomyosarcoma have been the reason for the EPF-synthesis. The already intra-operative disappearance and the also during further post-operative controls unsuccessful proof of EPF in serum can indicate an opportunity for the early assessment of efficiency of the surgical treatment of tumours which develop EPF or which induce the EPF-synthesis.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1993

[Diagnostic value of some pregnancy-associated proteins].

As biochemical markers for early diagnosis of disturbed pregnancies the placental proteins have been found special interest. It is suggested that measuring the serum concentration of placental proteins may have prognostic value in predicting the course of pregnancy. Furthermore, the activity of decidual tissue as well as the state of the menstrual cycle can be monitored. In this a review is given comprising the characteristics and possible clinical applications of these proteins, especially with respect to placental protein 12 (PP12), placental protein 14 (PP14) and the pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A).

Female↗
PubMed1993

[Fetal outcome after cervical ripeness-adjusted labor induction with prostaglandin E2 in relation to cervix status. Results of a multicenter study].

Prostaglandin E2 is often used for induction of labour. A procedure appropriate for obstetrical condition of the cervix uteri is recommended. 1,472 births with a medical indication were induced in a multicenter-study. With a bishopscore < 5 prostaglandin E2 gel intracervical and with a score between 5 and 8 vaginal tablets were used for induction. Appropriate for the condition of cervix it was allowed to continue the induction. With a bishopscore > 8 an infusion of oxytocin was given. The fetal outcome was evaluated appropriate for the condition of cervix before and during induction of labour. The APGAR-score one minute post partum was < 8 in 10.8 per cent of all neonates. This part was near the same in the gel- and in the tablet group (p > 5%). By continuation of induction, the part with pathological findings was at all times not in relation to the different groups of cervical condition. It's the same by APGAR-scores 5 and 10 minutes after delivery. The acidotic morbidity at all was 10.7%. Also in this connection it was only an unimportant (p > 5%) increasing to observe then the induction was continued. There is no relation between the different groups of cervical condition and the acidotic morbidity. Under observation of mother and child the to cervical condition appropriated used method of induction of labour does not expect a bad neonatal outcome. The longer the cervix is unripen, the higher is the rate of delivery by caesarean section. The exploitation of the possibilities of induction by drugs can be recommended.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1992

Combined hyperthermia and irradiation in the treatment of superficial tumors: results of a prospective randomized trial of hyperthermia fractionation (1/wk vs 2/wk).

From December 1984 to December 1989, 240 superficially located recurrent/metastatic malignant lesions (173 patients) were enrolled in a prospective randomized study of one versus two hyperthermia fractions per week. In the majority of patients, the dose of radiation therapy was less than 4000 cGy over 4 to 5 weeks. Stratification was by tumor size, site, and histology. The goal of the hyperthermia sessions were 42.5 degrees C for 45-60 min minimum intra-tumor measured temperature. Hyperthermia was given after radiation within 30-60 min. External applicators, both microwave (over 90% of treatments) and ultrasound, were used. Overall, complete response rate in 222 evaluable lesions was 56.3% (125/222) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and a maximum follow-up of 52 months. The complete response rate for once a week versus twice a week hyperthermia group was 54.7% and 57.8%, respectively. The severe complication rate was 18% (41/222). There was no difference between the two treatment arms. Cox regression analyses were performed to study the prognostic significance of patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, and treatment parameters. Detailed analysis and results are presented.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Immunologic aspects of endometriosis].

In development of endometriosis immunological phenomenons are discussed. In women with endometriosis specific antibodies are demonstrated and it is worth to speculate that there takes place de novo-expression of specific antigens. It is also possible, that changes in humoral immunity in endometriosis are secondary to deficient cellular mechanisms.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1991

Rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria associated with violent exercise and alcohol abuse: report of two cases.

Two cases of acute rhabdomyolysis with myoglobinuria and high levels of serum enzyme are presented. The first patient developed acute renal insufficiency in the context of a binge and heavy alcohol drinking lasting several days. He was treated with haemodialysis for three weeks, and survived. The second patient developed rhabdomyolysis and heavy myoglobinuria after playing squash vigorously. Forced mannitol-alkaline diuresis therapy for prophylaxis against hyperkalaemia and metabolic acidosis was performed. He did not develop renal failure. The clinical features, pathology and treatment of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria are summarized.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1991

Characteristics of improved microwave interstitial antennas for local hyperthermia.

The heating potentials of two newly-developed microwave interstitial antennas are reported in this paper. The longitudinal (parallel to the antenna) and transverse (over a plane perpendicular to the antenna) specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions of single and an array of four parallel antennas were measured in a muscle equivalent phantom and their performance characterized at 915 MHz in terms of the following parameters: peak depth (location of the profile peak with respect to the surface), 50% HL (effective heating length over which SAR greater than 50% of the peak normalized SAR), dead length (axial length at the antenna tip with SAR less than 50% of peak normalized SAR), and the variations of the specific absorption rate pattern relative to the depth of insertion. The results are analyzed and discussed in terms of these parameters and other factors important in the clinical use of these antennas for effective interstitial hyperthermia.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed1991

Serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated alpha-2-glycoprotein in diabetic pregnancy complicated by nonfulminant and fulminant proliferative retinopathy.

The pregnancy zone protein serum concentration in normal pregnancy reaches its peak at about the 24th week. High serum PZ concentrations are significantly more frequent among pregnant diabetic patients without proliferative retinopathy. In contrast, the mean values in mothers with diabetes mellitus complicated by proliferative retinopathy continue to decrease. A very low limit of 150 mg/l was achieved more frequently in diabetic pregnancy complicated by fulminant proliferative retinopathy. Measurement of serum PZ levels in diabetic pregnancy might help to predict the risk of progressive retinopathy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Hypertension and nephroptosis].

Renal diseases have been recognized as both a cause and a consequence of hypertension. Orthostatic renal hypertension is caused by ischemia resulting from elongation, twisting and angulation of renal vessels when a hypermobile kidney is present. Recent observation of a 22-year-old woman in whom orthostatic renal hypertension was cured by nephropexy prompted this report. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapy of this condition are also discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Tumor control in long-term survivors following superficial hyperthermia.

Sixty tumors with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were treated with radiation and superficial microwave hyperthermia (915 MHz). The overall local control rate was 50% (30/60). The most important factor in outcome was appropriateness of the hyperthermia applicator. Tumors covered by at least the 25% iso-SAR contour achieved 65% local control versus 21% local control with less than 25% SAR coverage (p less than 0.01). Several measures of adequate minimum monitored tumor temperature and duration were considered. The measure best correlated with outcome was best single session time at or above 43 degrees C (t43). If each monitored tumor catheter achieved t43 greater than or equal to 30 minutes in at least one session, then tumor control was significantly (p less than 0.01) improved (63% with Min t43 greater than or equal to 30 versus 25% with Min t43 less than 30). Although there was considerable overlap between tumors with SAR greater than or equal to 25% and those achieving Min t43 greater than or equal to 30, a statistically significant (p = 0.02) difference could be demonstrated between the group meeting both the SAR and the minimum tumor time/duration standards as opposed to those meeting only one standard. The actuarial local progression-free survival for tumors most likely to have had adequate hyperthermia (defined as SAR greater than or equal to 25% and Min t43 greater than or equal to 30) and all other tumors did not begin to separate significantly until 8 to 12 months after treatment. Implications for future randomized studies are discussed.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1990

[Experiences with labor induction at term with a PGE2 gel (Prepidil Gel) in unripe cervix].

The induction of labour was started with an intracervical administration of 0.5 mg PGE2-Gel (Prepidil) in 30 gravidae at or near term with an unripe score of the cervix and for a medical indication. After excluding patients, where labour had already started subsequent to this measure, induction of labour was continued randomised with PGE2-gel intravaginal versus intravenous oxytocin. The progress of labour, the neonatal condition, and paraclinic values were examined. In 11 cases, labour had already started after the intracervical administration of PGE2. The Bishop-score of the other gravidae was improved in the mean from 2.5 +/- 1.1 to 5.5 +/- 1.7. Was the induction carried out with PGE2 vaginal, the rate of success rose to 5 of 9, and after infusion of oxytocin in 6 of 10 cases. The continued PGE2 vaginal inductions were insignificantly slower (p greater than 5%) than the inductions continued which oxytocin. The mean duration of labour was 7.7 +/- 3.4 hours in the PGE2-group and 4.5 +/- 2.6 hours in the oxytocin group. No disadvantages resulted for mother and child from the vaginal administration of PGE2. Because of the high rate of acceptance, vaginal administration of PGE2 is a suitable method for the safe induction of labour.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1990

[Granulomatous orchitis].

Five cases of granulomatous orchitis are reported and the literature is reviewed. The clinical features, pathology and treatment of this rare disease are discussed. In four cases the clinical features were chronic, while one patient had an acute course. The average age of the five patients was 31 years. In all cases we found only one testes was affected. In two cases the affected testis was removed, and in the remaining three cases only partial orchiectomy was performed.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Spontaneous kidney rupture].

Two cases of spontaneous rupture of the kidney are reported and the literature is reviewed. The clinical and pathological features of this uncommon disease and its treatment are discussed. In the first case the cause of retroperitoneal bleeding was a renal carcinoma, while in the second it was the result of renal metastases from gestational trophoblastic disease. The most common symptoms are an acute onset of flank or abdominal pain, macroscopic hematuria and a drop in the hemoglobin level. Resistance or a mass can be palpated. Ultrasound and radiological examinations allow visualization of a tumor or hematoma and mostly reveal the etiology of hemorrhage. An exploratory operation is necessary for diagnosis, and primary nephrectomy should be seriously considered.

Adult↗