Showing papers by "Charité published in 1991"

RTOG quality assurance guidelines for interstitial hyperthermia.

Abstract: This document specifies the current recommendations for quality assurance for hyperthermia administration with interstitial techniques as specified by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). The document begins by providing a brief description of the physical principles behind the use of the three most commonly used methods of interstitial hyperthermia: radiofrequency (RF-LCF), microwave antennas, and ferromagnetic seeds. Emphasis is placed on features that effect quality assurance. Specific recommendations are provided for: a) Pretreatment planning and equipment performance checks, b) Implant considerations and documentation, c) Thermometry, and d) Safety procedures. Specific details regarding quality assurance issues that are common to all local and regional hyperthermia methods are outlined in previous documents sponsored by the RTOG. It is anticipated that technological advances may lead to future modifications of this document.

The epidermal pentapeptide pyroGlu-Glu-Asp-Ser-GlyOH inhibits murine hair growth in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Tissue growth may be controlled by negative feedback mechanisms Recently, a pentapeptide, pyroGlu-Glu-Asp-Ser-GlyOH (‘epidermal pentapeptide’, EPP), which slows the growth of mouse epidermis in vivo and of mouse keratinocytes in vitro, was isolated from mouse epidermis Since inhibitory molecules like EPP might be part of the feedback systems underlying hair growth control, we assessed the effect of synthesized EPP on the growth of hair follicles, using rodent in vivo and in vitro assays We report for the first time that intraperitoneally injected EPP (30 nmol/animal/day over 6 days) significantly slows the growth of hair follicles in plucking-induced anagen skin of C 57 B1-6 mice (as assessed by microscopic morphometry) Using an in vitro organ culture assay EPP inhibits the incorporation of 3Η-thymidine into mouse pelage anagen follicles That this epidermal-derived peptide affects hair growth raises the possibility that hair growth may be regulated by an inhibition/disinhibition mechanism under participation of EPP-like molecules and that the epidermis may play a role in the control of hair growth

Glandular kallikrein gene expression is selectively down-regulated by glucocorticoids in pancreatic AR42J cells.

Abstract: In this study we investigated the effects of steroid hormones on glandular kallikrein gene expression in the rat pancreatic acinar cell line AR42J. Using a cloned complementary DNA probe and a polyclonal antibody we demonstrated expression of a true glandular kallikrein gene and protein in AR42J cells by Western and Northern blot analysis. Dexamethasone resulted in a time-dependent parallel decrease of kallikrein messenger RNA and protein with a maximum at 12 and 72 h (30 +/- 10 and 8 +/- 0.5% of control, respectively, P less than 0.05, n = 6). In contrast, dexamethasone stimulated gene expression of two other serine proteases, chymotrypsin and trypsin, approximately 3 to 4-fold. The decrease of kallikrein concentration was dose dependent with half-maximal effects at 5 x 10(-8) M and maximal effects at 10(-7) M dexamethasone (23 +/- 6% of control, n = 3). The glucocorticoid antagonist RU 38486 blocked the glucocorticoid-induced decrease in cellular kallikrein content in a dose-dependent manner. Complete inhibition was observed at equimolar doses of dexamethasone and the antagonist. The inhibitory effect of dexamethasone was completely reversible after hormone withdrawal for 24 h. Neither estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or aldosterone had significant effects on kallikrein expression. These data suggest that down-regulation of pancreatic kallikrein gene expression occurs selectively in response to glucocorticoids at a pretranslational level, mediated most likely by the glucocorticoid receptor.

Monitoring genomic alterations with a panel of oligonucleotide probes specific for various simple repeat motifs.

Abstract: Germline and somatic instability of the human genome was studied, using synthetic oligonucleotides specific for simple repeat motifs. The following probes were used: (GTG)5, (GACA)4, (GATA)4, (CT)8, (TTAGGG)3, (GT)8, (GAA)6 and (GGAT)4. Each of them is unique with respect to the target regions recognized in the genome. Thus compilation of the various fingerprint data provides a complex map of the genome (and its deviations). While the fingerprints of differentiated somatic tissues never showed any alterations, in tumor tissues (namely gliomas) many changes could be detected. Most of the latter reflect secondary karyological aberrations. In nearly one third of the gliomas, drastically amplified and apparently monomorphic DNA fragments were identified. This marker should make it possible to deal with causal pathogenetic mechanisms as well as novel diagnostic strategies.

Hybridization and polymerase chain reaction amplification of simple repeated DNA sequences for the analysis of forensic stains

Abstract: We have evaluated oligonucleotide hybridization and amplification techniques with regard to quantity and quality of genomic DNA that is under investigation in practical forensic case work. In order to obtain sufficient information from analyzing stain material, we use hypervariable simple repeat sequences for individualization, which occur in all eukaryotic genomes. For the analysis of larger amounts of stains (greater than 500 ng DNA) the multilocus probes (CAC)5/(GTG)5* are superior because of their discrimination potential--provided that the hybridizing DNA is of high molecular weight. The less discriminating probes (CT)8 and (GACA)4 are more sensitive (minimal amount: 100ng DNA) and still informative when the DNA is degraded. To increase the sensitivity of forensic stain analysis in special cases we have used the polymerase chain reaction technique to amplify hypervariable simple (gt)n/(ga)m repeat structures from the intron 2 of HLA-DRB genes. Largely independent of the starting amount of DNA and independent of the degradation status, we were able to generate discriminating DNA fragments, which can be used to type (i) microstains and (ii) totally degraded material including human mummy DNA.

Action of rHuEpo on Mechanical Membrane Properties of Red Blood Cells in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease

Abstract: By means of a micropipette aspiration technique mechanical membrane properties of RBC in ten uraemic children undergoing haemodialysis were compared to those of nine healthy children. In contrast to the healthy reference group (mu = 4.01 +/- 0.71 microN/m), the mean apparent elastic shear modulus of RBC membrane mu as a parameter of static deformability was significantly increased to 9.05 +/- 1.61 microN/m in children with chronic renal failure measured in the pre-study period. At the 7th week of the correction period of rHuEpo therapy, the haematocrit of treated patients is enhanced to a mean of 0.30 +/- 0.03, whereas mean mu is decreased to 5.41 +/- 0.63 microN/m. Within the maintenance period of rHuEpo treatment (30th week), the parameter mu did not show significant differences to the reference value 3.78 +/- 0.31 microN/m. Additionally, a significant increase in red cell mean corpuscular volume was obtained during rHuEpo therapy. Improved deformability of uraemic RBC induced by the rHuEpo therapy can only be explained by the assumption that in the course of this therapy an increasing number of cells with normalised viscoelastic properties have been formed by stimulated erythropoiesis.

[Action of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on the immune system].

Abstract: It is widely admitted that the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins by blocking the membrane cyclo-oxygenase. The anti-inflammatory activity of these molecules is partly explained by the vaso-dilatational action of PG2 in particular. However this effect alone cannot account for all the properties of NSAID. The latter have an inhibitory action at the level of the various functions of neurophil leucocytes and to a lesser degree at the level of macrophages. For immune system itself, it seems the NSAID have a rather immunostimulant effect due to a major action on T lymphocytes. In the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the NSAID are unable to modify the ratio CD4/CD8. Yet they may decrease the production of the rheumatoid factor (RF). This ability is related to a loss of the normal suppressive T cells inhibition exerted by PG. Besides the NSAID seem unable to modify the natural killer function (NK). Finally, the impact on the synthesis of interleukins (IL) notably 1 and 2 does not seem clear. Indeed several research papers give us contradictory results between animals and men and between physiological or pathological situations.

Does allopurinol prevent superoxide radical production by xanthine oxidase (XOD)

Abstract: Inflammatory cells, especially neutrophils, generate oxygen radicals after activation. The main source of these reactive radicals is the NADPH-dependent reduction of oxygen to the superoxide radical (O2). The metabolism of xanthine and hypoxanthine (HX) via XOD is known to be a source of O~ too. Since Tubaro et al. [1] found XOD activity in neutrophils, this reaction was discussed to contribute to the radical production during inflammation. On the other hand the XOD of endothelium seems also to be important during inflammation [2]. XOD catalyses the degradation of HX and xanthine, respectively, to uric acid (UA). Under physiological conditions this enzyme acts as a dehydrogenase (XDH). Pathological processes (oxidative or proteolytic) lead to the conversion from the XDH form of the enzyme to the oxidase form (XOD), which produces 0 2 [1], one of the primary reactive oxygen species, and uric acid (UA).

The measurement of water distribution in frozen specimens.

Abstract: SUMMARY There are three techniques to measure local water fractions in the cryomicroscope. First, water content may be measured by a direct analysis of oxygen in bulk samples using a windowless detector. Secondly, mass thickness may be estimated in frozen-hydrated, then frozen-dried sections. This technique offers unrivalled spatial resolution, especially if the radiation dose in the frozen-hydrated state is kept low by the use of electron scattering techniques instead of an X-ray microanalytical background determination. External water content standards can be used instead of frozen-hydrated sections and the whole analysis can even be performed exclusively on frozen-dried sections at room temperature. Thirdly, local water fractions can be evaluated from X-ray microanalytical measurements of element concentrations per mass in the frozen-hydrated and frozen-dried state. Corrections necessary for the other techniques cancel out. However, the high radiation dose required for a fully quantitative analysis excludes the use of these methods in thin or ultrathin sections.

[Fetal echocardiography: Part III. Fetal arrhythmia].

Abstract: The paper is a review of cardiac arrhythmias, as the most common cardiological symptom in the fetus. After exposing the basic knowledge of fetal pathophysiology necessary for the better und understanding of cardiac rhythm disturbances in the fetus, the classification of fetal arrhythmias is presented. The possibilities of modern diagnosis and differential diagnosis, such us the fetal ECG, the control of the heart rate patterns and the sonography are discussed. The usefulness of the real-time-directed and color-coded M-Mode-echocardiography in the diagnosis and classification of arrhythmias are emphasized as well as the significance of the intracardiac Doppler and simultaneous Doppler recordings in the inferior vena cava and aorta. The indications, ways and drugs used in the intrauterine therapy of arrhythmias are presented. The differentiated management related to the diagnosis is described, after reporting about our own experience with 261 fetuses with arrhythmias (27 tachycardias, 21 bradycardias and 213 ectopic beats).

False-negative prenatal exclusion of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome by measurement of fetal platelet count and size.

Abstract: The study of the fetal platelet count and size can, according to the literature, be used for the prenatal diagnosis of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) So far, no affected fetuses have been identified by this method All pregnancies in which this method had been applied to resulted, as correctly predicted, in the birth of normal children Here we report on a familial case of WAS where the haematological parameters failed to reveal the affected second child Hence we assume that the platelet count and size of platelets remain normal in fetuses with WAS to the gestational age of 22 weeks and cannot be used for prenatal diagnosis

Meßplatz zur bettseitigen Atemfunktionsdiagnostik bei spontanatmenden Neugeborenen - Equipment for Bedside Lung Function Tests in Spontaneously Breathing Neonates

Abstract: Equipment was developed for bedside lung function testing in the newborn using the simultaneous measurement of air flow rate, tidal volume, and esophageal pressure changes as a measure of transpulmonary pressure The equipment has a number of advantages for the investigation of very low birthweight infants A flow-through technique was used to eliminate the dead space of the face mask and a very thin micro-tipped catheter permits ready measurement of esophageal pressure With this equipment, long-term measurements are also possible in oxygen-dependent newborns and the air-tightness of the mask can be monitored continuously Long-time measurements in neonates are a prerequisite for standardizing the measuring conditions and adapting the duration of the measurement to the variability of the signals, especially in newborn with an irregular pattern of breathing

Role of iatrogenic spondylodiscitis among pyogenic spondylodiscitis. 136 cases observed between 1980 and 1989

Abstract: The authors report 136 cases of spondylodiscitis due to ordinary organisms seen between 1980 and 1989 and note the increasing incidence of iatrogenic forms which during the past three years accounted for 50 per cent of cases. 60 per cent of these cases of iatrogenic spondylodiscitis complicated a medical of surgical procedure involving the spine (form by direct inoculation). In 40 per cent of cases, the organism came from a site of infection located at a distance (from by blood-borne spread). The clinical picture in cases of primary spondylodiscitis and of iatrogenic disease by blood-borne spread is essentially similar. That of iatrogenic forms by direct inoculation is different: most often young subjects, virtually exclusive involvement of the lumbar spine, fever and inflammatory syndrome less common. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the organisms most often responsible for primary spondylodiscitis (23 and 21.7 per cent of case respectively). Streptococci were in third position only (15.6 per cent of cases). Staphylococcus aureus remained predominant in iatrogenic spondylodiscitis (34 per cent of cases), while Escherichia coli and streptococci were significantly rarer than in primary forms and there was the appearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus albus. No organism was found in 23 per cent of cases of primary spondylodiscitis. This figure reached 44% of iatrogenic forms by direct inoculation. Because of their increasing incidence, these cases of apparently aseptic spondylodiscitis, frequently complicating a procedure involving the spine, are modifying the picture of infectious spondylodiscitis. No doubt worthy of separate identification, they raise the problem of the significance of the concept of aseptic spondylodiscitis.

Root arthrosis of the thumb

Abstract: Root arthrosis of the thumb results from a degenerative lesion of the trapezometacarpal joint. It is particularly frequent in menopausal women. The often prolonged pain it produces sometimes raises therapeutic problems. Treatment is always medical at first, but when it fails several surgical operations will ensure permanent painlessness.

Engineering foundations of production microeconomics - Applications to examples concerning the chemical processing industries

Abstract: The physical and engineering foundations of production microeconomics are discussed in the case of the chemical processing industries, with examples of functional forms for production functions in several particular cases of interest for these industries. © 1991.

[Fetal echocardiography. II. Normal and pathological anatomy in real-time ultrasonography].

Abstract: The paper is a practical approach to fetal echocardiography using real-time ultrasound. The normal sonoanatomy of the fetal heart is presented for the non-cardiologist. The basic cross-sectional views are explained as well as the systematic analysis of the different fetal heart structures. The main heart malformations are reviewed with a description of their appearance in prenatal real-time-ultrasound illustrated by some figures. The examination of the fetal heart could be easy learned, but the assessment and the differentiation of congenital heart defects are only possible by a systematic approach, experience and patience. The examination of the fetal heart should be therefore involved in the screening-ultrasound performed by the prenatal sonographer and suspicious findings has to be referred to a perinatal center.

Reliability of intracellular water and ion distributions as measured by X-ray microanalysis--a review.

Abstract: X-ray microanalysis can be an important tool to reveal the spatial relationships between polyelectrolytes, ions, and water as they occur within cells and tissues in vivo. To reach this goal, at least two of these three closely interrelated variables should be measured independently. Moreover, the absence of systematic errors should be proven. The present review discusses the probability of artificial ion and water shifts between intracellular compartments due to the growth of dendritic ice crystals much larger than the cross-sectioned remnants commonly seen in frozen-dried sections. Considering the possible mechanism of ice crystal growth it is concluded that ions and water are not translocated over large distances. Moreover, problems associated with the preparation of a sample for water content estimations are discussed here. The importance of an appropriate pre-freezing treatment is highlighted, as is the importance of fast freezing. The risk of artificial water shifts between compartments with different freezing properties is discussed and the absence of clefts between compartments or haloes around them as seen in frozen-dried sections is taken as an appropriate criterion. Constancy of section thickness and retention of full hydration of cryosections are necessary prerequisites for many of the techniques and conditions to fulfill these requirements are given.

New package for liquid or powdery products

Abstract: of EP0449794The package (1) of the invention consists in an assembly composed of a cardboard box (2) and of a plastic bottle (3) contained in this box (2). The relative dimensions of the box (2) and of the bottle (3) are such that the bottle (3) may be placed either in a position in which its base (8) rests on the base (4) of the box (2) and its neck (13) is retracted into the box (2), or in a position in which the bottle (3) is suspended in the box (2) and its neck (13) projects beyond an opening (7) provided in the lid (6) of the box (2); the bottle (3) may be moved as required between these two positions.