Showing papers by "Charité published in 1990"

Hypervariability of intronic simple (gt)n(ga)m repeats in HLA-DRB genes.

Abstract: We have investigated the extent of DNA variability in intronic simple (gt)n(ga)m repeat sequences and correlated this to sequence polymorphisms in the flanking exon 2 of HLA-DRB genes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a DNA fragment containing exon 2 and the repeat region of intron 2. The PCR products were separated on sequencing gels in order to demonstrate length hypervariability of the (gt)n(ga)m repeats. In a parallel experiment, the PCR products were cloned and sequenced (each exon 2 plus adjacent simple repeats) to characterize the simple repeats in relation to the HLA-DRB sequences. In a panel of 25 DRB1, DRB4, and DRB5 alleles new sequences were not detected. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) subtyping of serologically defined haplotypes corresponds to translated DNA sequences in 85% of the cases, the exceptions involving unusual DR/DQ combinations. Many identical DRB1 alleles can be distinguished on the basis of their adjacent simple repeats. We found group-specific organization of the repeats: the DRw52 supergroup repeats differ from those of DRB1*0101, DRB4*0101, and DRB5*0101 alleles and from those of pseudogenes. Finally, we amplified baboon DNA and found a DRB allele with extensive similarity to DRB1 sequences of the DRw52 supergroup. The simple repeat of the baboon gene, however, resembles that of human pseudogenes. In addition to further subtyping, the parallel study of polymorphic protein and hypervariable DNA alleles may allow conclusions to be drawn on the relationships between the DRB genes and perhaps also on the theory of trans-species evolution.

Neurologic signs in young children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract: Neurologic and neurodevelopmental problems were investigated in a cohort of 39 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and 164 antibody-negative children born to HIV-positive women. All children were followed from birth for between 1 month and 4 years. Serious neurologic manifestations were present in 5 of 16 children (31%) who developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex, although in 2 the neurologic signs were probably not related to HIV. This can be compared with a prevalence of 0 of 23 in children who remained asymptomatic or who had less severe HIV-related symptoms or signs and 2 of 164 (1%) in uninfected children. Neurologic signs in the uninfected group were associated with the presence of drug withdrawal at birth and prematurity. These findings contrast with reports of a high prevalence of neurologic findings in most studies of HIV-infected children.

Implicit separability: characterisation and implications for consumer demands

Abstract: We characterize a general form of separability which we call implicit separability . It is more general than all known types of separability and contains them as special cases. We provide complete characterisations in terms of the direct preference ordering, its dual expenditure function, the demand functions, and the Slutsky

Free Radicals Induce Increased Lysis of Red Blood Cells After Haemodialysis

Abstract: This study investigates the role of oxidative damage causing haemolysis as a possible factor contributing to reduced red blood cell survival and thereby to renal anaemia in patients on chronic haemodialysis. Oxidative damage and haemolysis may be initiated by lipid peroxidation. In this study primary initiators of lipid peroxidation were used to lyse red blood cells of haemodialysis patients before and after 4 h treatment. These initiators of lipid peroxidation were generated by photoactivation of haematoporphyrin. The red blood cells before haemodialysis were lysed to a normal ratio. After haemodialysis red blood cells were lysed to an increased ratio using a strongly oxidative stress. We conclude (1) oxidative damage by lipid peroxidation may play a limited role in the pathogenesis of renal anaemia; (2) haemodialysis causes oxidative damage.

Fast and non-destructive identification of dental alloys by abrasive stripping voltammetry

Abstract: The non-destructive and fast identification of dental alloys (amalgams and nickel alloys) by abrasive stripping voltammetry is described. The method is applicable for dental and forensic purposes. The voltammograms also reveal important information on corrosion stability of these alloys. Thus abrasive stripping voltammetry is an analytical express method to assess corrosion stability of dental alloys.

Balancing of energy-consuming processes of rat hepatocytes.

Abstract: A method for the quantification of energy consuming processes described by Siems et al. for reticulocytes and by Muller et al. for ascites tumour cells was applied to balance the ATP-consumption of isolated rat hepatocytes. On the basis of decreased coupled respiration rates following the specific inhibition of energy-requiring reactions, the energy demands of protein turnover, nucleic acid synthesis, Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca2(+)-transport of hepatocytes in different incubation media were assessed. These processes together with urea synthesis account for about 60 per cent of the total energy consumption in a glucose and amino acid-enriched Eagle/Borsook medium. The metabolic flux rates of total ATP-consumption and ATP-consumption of single energy-requiring processes in hepatocytes are compared with those in reticulocytes and different tumour cell types.

The validity of piecemeal second-best policy

Abstract: If there are irreducible distortions in one sector of an economy, when is it optimal to set consumer prices proportional to producer prices in the other sector? For the case of a single consumer, Jewitt demonstrated that implicit separability of the consumer's preferences is necessary and sufficient for the optimality of piecemeal second-best policy. We show that in a multi-consumer economy piecemeal policy is optimal if and only if the aggregate compensated demand system has a two-sector representation. Only three broad classes of economies can have two-sector representations. This considerably restricts the circumstances in which piecemeal second-best policies are optimal.

Eine Ebstein-Anomalie als seltene Ursache eines nicht immunologischen Hydrops fetalis (NIHF): pränatale Diagnose mittels Doppler-Echokardiographie

Abstract: The Ebstein's malformation occurs in 0,5% of patients with congenital heart disease. The prenatal diagnosis of such a malformation in the 33rd week of pregnancy is reported. The fetal echocardiography was performed owing to a severe nonimmune hydrops fetalis. The typical distal displacement of the annular attachment of the tricuspid valve leaflets could be viewed in the apical four-chamber view. The application of the pulsed Doppler ultrasound enables the analysis of the cardial haemodynamics and thus the assessment of the severity and prognosis of the diagnosed malformation. In our case the prognosis was interdisciplinary estimated as being very poor (severe cardiac lesion with congestive heart failure already in utero); In the following days intrauterine death occured. The autopsy confirmed all the prenatal findings. Die Ebstein-Anomalie kommt in 0,5% aller angeborenen Herzfehler vor. Es wird uber die pranatale Diagnose einer solchen Malformation in der 33. Schwangerschaftswoche berichtet. Die fetale Echokardiographie wurde auf Grund eines schweren Hydrops fetalis vorgenommen. Die charakteristische Verlagerung der Trikuspidalklappe apikalwarts in den rechten Ventrikel konnte im Vierkammerblick dargestellt werden. Der Einsatz des gepulsten Dopplers ermoglicht, sich einen Einblick in die kardiale Hamodynamik zu verschaffen und dadurch auf Schweregrad und Prognose des Herzfehlers zu schliesen. In unserem Fall wurde die Situation von einem interdisziplinaren Konsilium als sehr prekar eingeschatzt (schweres Herzvitium mit Dekompensation bereits in utero); Es kam dann innerhalb einer Woche zum intrauterinen Fruchttod. Die Autopsie bestatigte die pranatalen Befunde.

Transitory acantholytic dermatosis (Grover) in an HIV infected patient

Abstract: We report on a patient with HIV infection and persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (stage III of HIV infection), who developed transitory acantholytic dermatosis (Grover's disease). Both the clinical picture and the histological features were typical for Grover's disease; the skin eruptions subsided within 6 months.

Pyoderma gangrenosum et polyarthrite chronique paranéoplasiques révélateurs d'une maladie de Hodgkin

Abstract: Resume Le pyoderma gangrenosum, affection dermatologique rare de pathogenie inconnue, s'associe pres de 8 fois sur 10 a une maladie generale et en particulier a une enterocolopathie inflammatoire ou a une hemopathie. Les auteurs rapportent l'observation d'un homme de 57 ans porteur d'un pyoderma depuis 5 ans quand apparait une polyarthrite chronique sero-negative d'allure rhumatoide. La survenue dans un troisieme temps, d'une adenopathie susclaviculaire permettra l'etablissement du diagnostic de maladie de Hodgkin. Une telle association, pyoderma-polyarthrite chronique-maladie de Hodgkin n'a jamais ete rapportee a notre connaissance. Le traitement du lymphome va s'accompagner d'une disparition totale de la symptomatologie cutanee et articulaire. L'absence de recidive de la dermatose et de la polyarthrite avec un recul de 3 ans apres arret de toute therapeutique nous amene a discuter le possible caractere paraneoplasique du pyoderma et de la polyarthrite.

A method to determine the end point of decalcification of hard tissue and bone.

Abstract: A method for decalcification end point determination of mineralized tissue is described. The calcium content of the decalcification solution was determined colorimetrically with a “continuous autom...

[Obsessive-compulsive symptoms associated with panic disorder. Predictive factor of a good therapeutic response to fluvoxamine].

Abstract: In a sample of 35 patients with a diagnosis of panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks according DSM III criteria, the authors found 8 patients (23%) with obsessive compulsive symptoms. This subgroup and 7 patients without obsessive compulsive symptoms were treated with fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor in an 8 weeks open study (2 weeks wash out, 6 weeks treatment). At the end of the study, a dramatic reduction of anxiety was found in different rating scales. Ten patients improved and no panic attack was noted: 7 in the group with obsessive compulsive symptoms (N = 8) and 3 in the group without obsessive compulsive symptoms (N = 7). Interest of fluvoxamine in panic patients with obsessive compulsive symptoms who do not respond to common antipanic medication is suggested. Controlled studies are necessary to confirm these first results.

Road sweeping and cleaning vehicle

Abstract: The roadsweeper has sweeping systems (6,7) to clean the surface of the road and to collect dust and rubbish. These systems are held by a retainer (3) that fixes removably to the sweeper vehicle (1). The retainer consists of a vertical bearing post (3) on which sleeves (4,5) rotate. One or more sweeping systems are fixed to the sleeves. The sweeping systems pivot in a horizontal direction. The bearing posts on the vehicle are adjustable in height. The sweeping systems are fixed by pivoted arms to the sleeves. A pivoting device pivots a part of a sweeping system and is operated from the vehicle driver's cab and can pivot according to the steering angle of the vehicle.

Les manifestations articulaires révélatrices de l'hémochromatose génétique. A propos de 7 cas

Abstract: Resume Le diagnostic precoce de l'hemochromatose genetique est possible notamment lorsque les manifestations osteo-articulaires inaugurent la maladie. L'etude retrospective de 7 cas d'hemochromatose permet de souligner ce caractere parfois inaugural et par ailleurs diversifie des signes rhumatologiques de cette affection. Ces derniers ont precede de 4 ans en moyenne le diagnostic de la maladie. Il s'agissait d'arthralgies dans 2 cas, d'une polyarthrite sero-negative dans 2 cas, d'un rhumatisme intermittent dans 1 cas, d'un acces pseudo-goutteux dans 1 cas et d'une coxopathie d'allure degenerative dans le dernier cas. 6 fois, une arthropathie sous-chondrale en particulier des 2eme et 3eme metacarpophalangiennes etait retrouvee. Deux malades presentaient des signes radiologiques de chondrocalcinose. Dans 2 cas, aucune autre manifestation clinique de l'hemochromatose n'etait notee. Avec un recul de pres de 10 ans dans 3 cas, on constate la persistance malgre les saignees, des signes articulaires. Toute symptomatologie rhumatologique d'etiologie imprecise justifie ainsi notamment chez un homme jeune, la recherche d'une hemochromatose, la precocite du diagnostic et donc du traitement conditionnant le pronostic de la maladie.

Morphologische Befunde nach partieller orthotoper Lebertransplantation im “small-for-size”-Modell an der Ratte

Abstract: Der Erwachsenenteil, der von PICHLMAYR (1988) eingefuhrten “Splitting-Transplantation” stellt nach Abspaltung der Segmente II und III fur den kindlichen Empfanger eine “small-for-size”- Transplantation dar, d.h., das bei gleichschwerem erwachsenen Empfanger und Spender das Resttransplantat relativ zu klein ist. Aufgrund der Lebergefasanatomie mus eventuell eine weitere Reduzierung um das Segment IV stattfinden. Auch bei der moglichen Aufteilung eines Transplantates auf zwei erwachsene Empfanger verbleibt ein relativ zu kleines Transplantat fur den einzelnen Empfanger.

Anti-Bacterial Reactivity of Human Monoclonal Polyspecific Natural IgM Antibodies — a Basic Defence Mechanism Against Infectious Agents

Abstract: An optimized human hybridoma technique may be a powerful tool for studying the B lymphocyte repertoire (antibody specificities, genetic elements) of healthy individuals and patients. The development of a human-mouse heteromyeloma (Grunow 1988) as a fusion cell line enabled us to immortalize human lymphocytes from different immune organs with a frequency comparable to the mouse system. To establish specific IgG-producing hybridomas against tetanus toxin lymphocytes from boosted donors were fused after an optimized period of time (Jahn 1989a). However, when lymphocytes from the spleen or peripheral blood were used for fusion, the majority of hybridomas were shown to secrete IgM (Jahn 1988; Jahn 1989b). A distinct population of these “natural” IgM antibodies (circulating in the non-immunized individual) was characterized to bind to different autoantigens and to foreign material of bacterial or viral origin (Casali 1987; Jahn 1989b). So-called polyspecific natural antibodies were first described to occur in fusions of fetal and newborn mouse lymphocytes (Dighiero 1983; Ternynck 1986).

Untersuchungen zur in-vivo-Neodym-YAG-Laserwirkung auf intakte Schwangerschaftsanlagen im Rattenuterusmodell

Abstract: Auf 12–15 Tage alte Schwangerschaftsanlagen der Katte erfolgte per laparotomiam die Nd-YAG-Laserstrahl-Einwirkung (Leistung 55 W Betriebsart kontinuierlich, Einv/irkdauer 2–4 s, Nd-YAG-Laser “mediLas 2”). Es wurden mehrere Gruppen gebildet, abhangig vom Zeitpunkt, der Uterusexstirpation nach der Nd-YAG-Laser-Einwirkung. Die in-situ-Beurteilung wurde mittels Lupenvergroserung durchgefuhrt. Die histologische Untersuchung der exstirpierten Uteri bezog sich auf folgende Kriterien: Plazenta-Heterolyse, Rattenfetus-Autolyse, Uteruswand-Reaktion, Uteruslumen-Zustand.